The proposed bill would update current election statutes by introducing several new provisions and clarifications. It would allow candidates in presidential preference elections to submit a statement of withdrawal, clarify that candidates who do not withdraw will remain on the ballot unless removed by court order, and require nomination papers and petitions to be filed 75 days before the presidential election. Additionally, it would set minimum and maximum signature requirements for presidential candidates not affiliated with recognized parties, ensure that ballots are printed and available 75 days prior to elections, and allow for the forwarding of early ballots to the correct county for tabulation. Moreover, the bill would clarify the handling of inactive voters regarding early ballots, establish new petition requirements for initiatives and referendums, and mandate that challenges to petition certifications be resolved within specified timeframes. It would also require in-person signatures for voter registration through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, allow certain county offices to close on weekends if no ballots require curing, and enable the Secretary of State to issue election officer certificates in the two years leading up to general election years. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-140, 16-320, 16-341, 16-405, 16-407, 16-544, 16-548, 16-550, 16-551, 16-558.01, 16-558.02, 16-602, 16-801, 16-802, 19-112.01, 19-113, 19-121, 19-121.03, 19-122, 103-31, 16-804, 16-153, 16-311, 16-452, 16-545, 99-410, 16-166, 16-542, 16-191, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-550.01, 16-168, 16-449, 16-531, 16-622, 16-547, 16-411, 16-621, 16-248, 16-315, 16-803, 19-203, 19-121.02