Yes, candidates are permitted to collect signatures at City events. 

Option 1 - Free Speech Zones

Free speech zones are offered at all City hosted events at no cost. If using the free speech zone, candidates should bring their own table and chairs. Event maps are posted online the week of each event and identify the location of the free speech zones. Signs identifying designated free speech areas are used on the event day. Free speech zones do not require pre-registration.

Option 2 - Paid Exhibitor Booths

A paid exhibitor booth includes a 10’x10’ space located in the exhibitor areas. Exhibitors are asked to provide their own pop-up tent (10x10), table covering, table, and chairs; however, a tent, table, and two chairs can be provided at an additional cost. Fees vary by event. Booth spaces are first come; first serve. All current exhibitor opportunities are posted on the City website.

For a list of upcoming events, visit the Parks and Recreation website: www.avondaleaz.gov/events.

Free Speech Zones at City Facilities

Free speech zones are offered at all City facilities at no cost. If using the free speech zone, you should bring their own table and chairs. Facility maps are posted on the Free Speech Zones website. Free speech zones do not require pre-registration. 

Pursuant to the Avondale City Charter - Article IX - Section 7,  any candidate who receives a majority of all the votes cast at the Primary (August) Election shall be declared elected; therefore, if the minimum number of candidates receives a majority of votes, then the General (November) Election will be cancelled. 

The majority of votes cast is determined by: 

1. Add the total number of votes cast at the primary for all the candidates for the office.  
2. Divide that sum by the total number of seats to be filled for that office.  
3. Divide the amount by 2.
4. Round up to a whole number or add 1.
5. The final number is the “majority of votes cast”.

Note: A.R.S. § 9-821.01(E) specifies if more candidates receive a majority than there are offices to be filled, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes equal to the number of seats to be filled shall be declared elected.

A.R.S. § 9-821.01(F) if no candidates receive a majority of votes, then the number of candidates who advance to the runoff must be equal in number to twice the number of seats to be filled. For example, if only 2 council member candidates received a majority of votes cast, then the next top 2 candidates move to the runoff election for the last remaining seat. 

Candidate Challenges:

A candidate’s nomination may be challenged pursuant to A.R.S 16-351. Complaints must set forth in the action: “the petition number, line number, and basis for the challenge for each signature being challenged. Failure to specify this information shall result in the dismissal of the court action.”

To challenge a candidate's nomination paperwork, follow the steps outlined below:

1. File a formal complaint with the Clerk of the Superior Court “Election Cases” window (201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003).
2. Deliver a copy of the filed complaint to the presiding Judge to secure a Judicial Assignment including date and time. 
3. Deliver the stamped court paperwork to the Avondale City Clerk's Office (the office will accept service of the case). 
4. The Avondale City Clerk's Office will mail the complaint to the candidate and immediately notify the candidate by phone (the office will follow-up by email to confirm the phone conversation to ensure there is a record of the phone notification).

Signature Verification:

Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center is open by appointment only to check signatures using voter registration rolls. Email campfin@risc.maricopa.gov or call (602) 372-2262 to schedule an appointment.

 Report a Political Sign Issue

What you can expect from us:

If the Code Compliance Division finds that a political sign is in violation of State Statute or City Code, the Code Compliance Division will notify the owner of the sign and the sign must be corrected or retrieved within 24 hours. If the sign is still in violation after the 24-hour notice period, the Code Compliance Division will remove the sign. If the City deems that the placement of a political sign constitutes an emergency, the City may immediately relocate the sign.

Obtaining a sign permit is not required for political signs. Political signs may be placed in any zoning district subject to the following guidelines set by state statute A.R.S. §16-1019. If a sign is located within the City’s right-of-way, please ensure the sign does not create a safety risk. Signs must be located at least 1-foot behind the sidewalk.  If no sidewalks exist, signs must be located at least 5-feet behind the curb or 5-feet behind the edge of the pavement if no curb exists.

Notwithstanding any other statute, ordinance or regulation, the City of Avondale will not remove any political sign if the following conditions are met during the permitted time period:

1. The sign is placed in a public right-of-way that is owned or controlled by that jurisdiction.
2. The sign supports or opposes a candidate for public office, or it supports or opposes a ballot measure.
3. The sign is not placed in a location that is hazardous to public safety, obstructs clear vision in the area or interferes with the requirements of the Americans with disabilities act (42 United States Code sections 12101 through 12213 and 47 United States Code sections 225 and 611).
4. The sign has a maximum area of sixteen square feet if the sign is located within an area zoned for residential use, or a maximum area of thirty-two square feet if the sign is located in any other area.
5. The sign contains the name and telephone number, or website address of the candidate or campaign committee contact person.

Permitted Time Periods

Political signs are permitted 71 days before the primary election and ending 15 days after the general election (or ending 15 days after the primary election for a candidate who failed to advance to the general election). 

Arizona 811 - Political Signs Installation

Installing political signs without having utilities marked in advance is a violation of A.R.S. §40-360.22. This law is enforced by the Arizona Corporation Commission who can issue citations for civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. Knowing the location of buried lines, pipes and cables – and then carefully working around them – prevents serious injuries and protects the critical utilities. Visit www.arizona811.com/politicalsigns for more information.

You can register to vote Online through the Service Arizona website (requires Arizona Driver's License or State ID) or by mailing a completed voter registration form to the Maricopa County Elections Department at 111 S 3rd Ave, Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85003-2294.

If you would like to request a hard-copy of the voter registration form, please contact the Avondale City Clerk's Office at 623-333-1000.

To register to vote in Arizona you must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a citizen of the United States of America

• Be a resident of Arizona and the county listed on your registration

• Be 18 years of age on or before the day of the next regular General Election

• Provide documentation or affirmation as Proof of Residency.

• Have not been been convicted of a felony and have not yet had your civil rights restored. For a first-time felony conviction, civil rights are automatically restored upon completion of a person's sentence and payment of any restitution.

• Have not been adjudicated incapacitated by a court of law.