AZ SCR1019

Proposes constitutional amendment to change Arizona judicial selection from merit-based appointment and retention elections to direct popular election for Supreme Court justices and Superior Court judges in counties with populations under 250,000.

Supreme Court justices would be nominated and elected by state voters at large in nonpartisan elections for six-year terms, with gubernatorial appointment to fill vacancies until successor elected in next odd-numbered November election.

Superior Court judges in counties under 250,000 population would be elected by county voters in odd-numbered November elections for four-year terms; governor fills vacancies until successor election.

Repeals Arizona Constitution Articles VI sections 36-38 and 40-42, eliminating the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, Commission on Trial Court Appointments, and retention election procedures.

Requires Secretary of State to submit proposition to voters at next general election per Article XXI of Arizona Constitution.