Arizona to seek recount of close vote on measure

Arizona elections officials are going to court Monday for authorization to conduct a statewide recount of ballots cast on a proposition to change the initiative process.

Unofficial results had Proposition 112 losing by 123 votes — well within the 200-vote margin set by state law for triggering a recount.

Proposition 112 would change the deadline to file initiative petitions to six months before Election Day, up from four months currently. That provides less time to collect petition signatures and more time to verify signatures and resolve legal challenges.

Following Monday’s official election canvass, the Secretary of State’s office will seek an order from a Maricopa County Superior Court judge allowing the recount. It should be completed by mid-December.