State of Arizona v. City of Tucson

Summary

The court held that Arizona's home-rule charter provision prevents the state from requiring Tucson to consolidate its municipal elections with statewide elections when Tucson's charter provides for off-cycle elections. It concluded that the timing of municipal elections is a purely municipal concern and that the legislature's declaration of a statewide interest in increasing turnout did not control the constitutional analysis. The court therefore upheld Tucson's election ordinance, denied relief, and awarded the City reasonable attorney fees.