The proposed bill SB1375 introduces significant changes to Arizona's election procedures by mandating that all ballots, except provisional ones, must have unique identification numbers, either consecutively or through an alphanumeric system. This requirement aims to enhance the traceability of ballots to specific voting locations. Additionally, the bill requires county recorders or election officers to maintain a detailed count of all types of ballots and to publish this information on the county's website within two days. It also stipulates that numbered ballots must be distributed non-sequentially and that the range of prenumbered ballots used must be logged publicly.
Key differences from current law include the introduction of specific numbering and tracking requirements for ballots, the obligation to post ballot counts online, and the financial provision of $6 million to support counties in implementing these changes. The bill also modifies hand counting and audit procedures, changes terminology from "chairman" to "chairperson," and ensures that voters are not required to disclose their unique identifiers involuntarily. Overall, SB1375 aims to improve the transparency and accountability of the election process in Arizona.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-502, 16-602, 16-663, 16-341, 19-125, 16-400, 16-452, 16-621, 16-248
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-502, 16-602, 16-663, 16-341, 19-125, 16-400, 16-452, 16-621, 16-248
House Engrossed Version: 16-502, 16-602, 16-663, 16-341, 19-125, 16-400, 16-452, 16-621, 16-248