WHEREAS, 2004 is a presidential election year; and

WHEREAS, in the last two presidential election years, Arizona has sought to hold its presidential preference election as early as possible to maximize the impact of Arizona's voters on the presidential election; and

WHEREAS, holding an early presidential preference election attracts more presidential candidates, staff and media to Arizona, increasing Arizona's sales tax revenues and promoting Arizona's hotels, restaurants and businesses; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-241(B), the Governor is authorized to issue a proclamation that the presidential preference election may be moved to a date earlier than the fourth Tuesday in February; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the federal Voting Rights Act, any such proclamation by the Governor is subject to approval by the United States Department of Justice;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Janet Napolitano, Governor of the State of Arizona, by virtue of the authority vested in my by the Arizona Constitution and the laws of the State, do hereby proclaim that (contingent upon approval by the United States Justice Department) the

in Arizona shall be held on February 3, 2004.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have herunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Arizona

GOVERNOR

DONE at the Capitol in Phoenix on this tenth day of February in the year Two Thousand and Three and of the Independence of the United States of America the Two Hundred and Twenty-seventh.

                                                                                                           ATTEST:

                                                                                                           Secretary of State