AZ SB1586

Allows school districts with average daily membership of at least 1,000 and minority enrollment of at least 25% to voluntarily implement alternative election systems for governing board members, including single-member districts.

Requires school districts with average daily membership of at least 25,000 and minority enrollment of at least 25% to mandatory implement an alternative election system for governing board members.

Establishes procedures for single-member district implementation, including equalizing population across districts, following precinct boundary lines when practicable, and numbering districts by minority population percentage.

Allows school districts to continue alternative election systems even if enrollment or minority population percentages subsequently fall below the thresholds that triggered the requirement.

Permits alternative election systems consistent with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. § 10301), subject to U.S. Department of Justice approval.