The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding the conduct of elections in Arizona by requiring the governing bodies that hold elections to explicitly acknowledge the canvass of the election "without prejudice." This new language would be inserted into existing statutes, specifically sections 16-642 and 16-646, and would apply to various governing bodies, including county boards, the Secretary of State, and city or town governing bodies. The bill also clarifies that the acknowledgment must occur within specified timeframes following the election and includes provisions for special districts to present their canvass to the board of supervisors.

Additionally, the bill makes several technical and conforming changes to the existing language, ensuring that the acknowledgment of the canvass is consistently recognized across different governing bodies. It removes certain outdated language and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the official canvass as a permanent public record. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the election canvassing process in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-642, 16-646, 16-673
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-642, 16-646, 16-673