Scottsdale will go digital in its August primary election process with the city’s launch of E-Qual – a system provided by the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office that allows candidates for office to collect their signatures electronically.
E-Qual verifies voter information against the statewide voter registration database and provides the voter with a list of nomination petitions eligible for them to sign.
Scottsdale will hold a primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, to elect three councilmembers. City Council candidates are required to obtain 1,000 signatures from Scottsdale registered voters in order to be placed on the ballot. In the past, these signatures had to be gathered using hard-copy petition sheets.
“We are excited to announce that this will be first election where Scottsdale candidates can collect electronic signatures using the E-Qual system,” said Mayor David D. Ortega. “This is a great and secure way to ensure our residents’ voices are being heard. It doesn’t get any easier than having the option to support a candidate from the comfort of your own home.”
While hard-copy petitions are still an option, E-Qual provides a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly option for residents to sign petitions at their convenience and allows candidates to use their website, newsletters and social media to publicize how to sign their petitions.
“In 2020, the Clerk’s Office processed over 2,400 pages of petition signatures,” said Mayor Ortega. “We hope candidates and residents will take advantage of E-Qual, our environment-friendly alternative.”
For the Aug. 2 Primary Election, candidates may submit their petitions starting Monday, March 7. Online and paper petitions (along with other required documentation) must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. Monday, April 4.
“When candidates are ready to submit their E-Qual petition signatures, along with any paper petitions and other required documentation, they should contact the Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment,” said City Clerk Ben Lane.
A general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to elect any office that remains unfilled after the primary election. To be elected at the primary election, a candidate must receive a majority of all the legal votes cast for that candidate’s race.
Scottsdale residents interested in running for City Council should contact Ben Lane at 480-312-2411 or blane@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
Step-by-step PDF guides on how to use E-Qual for candidates and voters, along with other documentation about running for office, can be found on ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Campaign Forms.”
