The proposed bill would update current election statutes by introducing new deadlines and requirements for early ballot submissions, mandating that they be returned by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day. It would eliminate emergency voting during the period leading up to election day and expand in-person early voting to include the weekend prior. Additionally, the bill would allow county recorders to conduct on-site tabulation of early ballots and require all government-owned buildings to be available as voting locations, while removing the authority of school principals to deny such requests. The signature cure period for ballots would change from five business days to five calendar days post-election, and certain ballot counting requirements would be waived if on-site tabulation is utilized.

Moreover, the bill would clarify the roles of party representatives in early ballot challenges, limit the number of representatives per party, and modify the notification process for voters regarding challenges to their ballots. It would also establish secure ballot boxes for verified early ballots, require identification for specific ballot transactions, and mandate a chain of custody log for early ballots. These updates aim to enhance the integrity, accessibility, and security of the electoral process in Arizona while ensuring that the current law remains intact where not specifically amended.

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