The proposed bill would significantly update current election statutes in Arizona by changing the deadlines and procedures for early voting and ballot submission. Under the new law, early ballots must 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. It also allows county recorders to conduct on-site tabulation of early ballots throughout the early voting period and extends in-person early voting to the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before election day. Additionally, the bill removes the option for emergency voting during this timeframe and mandates that early mail voters confirm their address before receiving a ballot.

Moreover, the bill introduces several new requirements, such as the necessity for county election officials to test electronic ballot tabulating equipment within 50 days before election day and the obligation to count and report early ballots returned at voting locations on election day if on-site tabulation is not available. It also clarifies that voters must submit their early ballots at on-site tabulation locations and modifies terminology from "polling place" to "voting location." The legislation aims to streamline the voting process, enhance ballot integrity, and improve voter participation while ensuring compliance with updated regulations.

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