The proposed bill would update current Arizona election statutes by implementing several significant changes to early voting and ballot submission processes. It would require that voted early ballots deposited at voting locations be received by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day, replacing the current deadline of 7:00 p.m. on election day. Additionally, the bill would extend the in-person early voting period to include the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before election day and eliminate the option for emergency voting between the specified times. The bill also introduces new requirements for early mail voters to confirm their addresses and mandates that county recorders count early ballots returned at voting locations on election day, posting this count online if on-site tabulation is not provided. Moreover, the bill would modify the terminology from "polling place" to "voting location" and remove specific provisions regarding emergency voting centers. It would also require county election officials to test electronic ballot tabulating equipment for logic and accuracy within 50 days before election day and clarify that voters must submit their early ballot and affidavit at on-site tabulation locations. Overall, these updates aim to streamline the voting process, enhance ballot handling integrity, and improve voter participation through clearer communication and flexible voting options.

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