The proposed bill would amend current election statutes by introducing new deadlines for early ballot submission, requiring that they be returned by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day, as opposed to the current law which allows ballots to be received until 7:00 p.m. on election day. It would also eliminate emergency voting that occurs between the Friday before election day and the following Monday. Additionally, the bill would allow for on-site tabulation of early ballots during the early voting period and ensure that all government-owned facilities are available as polling locations, removing the authority of school principals to deny such requests.

Moreover, the bill would enhance the voting process by implementing stricter identification requirements for voters dropping off ballots after a specified time and clarifying the responsibilities of election officials in verifying signatures on mail ballots. It would also establish secure ballot boxes at polling locations, define "id verified" for ballots, and ensure that separate secure ballot boxes are available for verified and non-verified early ballots. Overall, these updates aim to improve the integrity, accessibility, and security of the electoral process in Arizona while maintaining the core structure of the current law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-542, 16-547, 16-548, 16-550, 16-552, 16-572, 16-579, 16-579.02, 16-804, 16-452, 99-410, 16-153, 16-545, 16-544, 16-409, 16-1005, 16-550.01, 16-168, 16-551, 16-602, 16-449, 16-191, 16-591, 16-594, 16-672, 16-584
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-411, 16-449, 16-542, 16-544, 16-547, 16-548, 16-550, 16-551, 16-552, 16-572, 16-579, 16-579.01, 16-579.02, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204, 16-804, 99-410, 16-153, 16-545, 16-409, 16-166, 16-191, 16-1005, 16-550.01, 16-168, 16-602, 16-531, 16-622, 16-591, 16-594, 16-672, 16-584