How is the Arizona Constitution amended through a citizen initiative?

The process of amending the Arizona Constitution through a citizen initiative involves gathering a specified number of signatures from registered voters. This method empowers the citizens to directly propose changes to the constitution, reflecting their desires and priorities. Once a proposed amendment is drafted, proponents must collect signatures from a percentage of the electorate, as defined by Arizona law, which ultimately allows the measure to be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

This mechanism is significant because it provides a pathway for direct democracy, letting the electorate have a direct role in shaping constitutional provisions without solely relying on legislative approval. The requirement for a certain amount of signatures ensures that there is substantial public support for the proposed change before it is presented to the voters.

The other options do not accurately reflect the process laid out for citizen initiatives in Arizona. For instance, the involvement of the state Supreme Court or local governments does not play a role in the initial stages of amending the constitution through this method, nor is there a provision for appointing a special committee. This highlights the unique structure of Arizona's approach, prioritizing citizen involvement in governance decisions.