The following is a partial list of Arizona ballot propositions.
The initiative and referendum process in Arizona has been in use since the beginning. The first initiative was passed the same year Arizona was granted statehood when on November 5, 1912, an initiative relating to women's suffrage was passed by a greater than two to one margin. The initiative process has long been a staple of Arizona politics, with 15 proposals appearing in the 1914 election, and recently in 2006 when voters were presented with 19.
Prior to 1976, ballot propositions were not assigned a measure number. Since then, they have been identified by a 3-digit number. Ballot propositions beginning with "1" are initiatives and referendums to amend the state constitution, those beginning with "2" are initiatives to amend state statutes, and those beginning with "3" are referendums on acts to amend state statutes.
The following is a partial list of significant initiatives that passed between 1912 and 1989.
The Arizona Constitution, Article XXVIII: Section 2. The official language of the state of Arizona is English. Section 3. A. Representatives of government in this state shall preserve, protect and enhance the role of English as the official language of the government of Arizona. Section 3. B. A person shall not be discriminated against or penalized in any way because the person uses or attempts to use English in public or private communication.
Section 4. Official actions shall be conducted in English.
Section 5. Rules of construction, clarifies that The constitution does not "prohibit" other communication. Section 1.notes the law does not apply to: (a) The teaching of or the encouragement of learning languages other than English. (b) Actions required under the federal individuals with disabilities education act or other federal laws. (c) Actions, documents or policies necessary for tourism, commerce or international trade. (d) Actions or documents that protect the public health and safety, including law enforcement and emergency services. (e) Actions that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants. (f) Using terms of art or phrases from languages other than English. (g) Using or preserving Native American languages. (h) Providing assistance to hearing impaired or illiterate persons. (i) Informal and nonbinding translations or communications among or between representatives of government and other persons if this activity does not affect or impair supervision, management, conduct or execution of official actions and if the representatives of government make clear that these translations or communications are unofficial and are not binding on this state or a political subdivision of this state. (j) Actions necessary to preserve the right to petition for the redress of grievances. [2]