The proposed bill would update current election statutes by introducing new requirements for presidential candidates, including the submission of a statement of withdrawal and a nomination paper at least 75 days before the election. It would clarify that any registered voter can sign a nomination petition for a presidential candidate not affiliated with a recognized political party. Additionally, the bill mandates that ballots be printed and available at least 75 days prior to election day, while also outlining secure storage protocols for these ballots.

Moreover, the bill revises procedures related to early voting and petition requirements for initiatives and referendums, allowing for the forwarding of early ballots to the correct county and clarifying the handling of inactive voters regarding ballot distribution. It sets deadlines for filing petitions and challenges related to initiatives and referendums, ensuring prompt court resolutions. The bill also specifies that the superior court must hear and render decisions on legal challenges within ten days, consolidates multiple actions contesting the validity of initiatives or referendums into a single venue, and emphasizes maintaining confidentiality in voter registration records. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the integrity, efficiency, and accessibility of the electoral process in Arizona.

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