This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding presidential electors in Arizona. Under the new provisions, if a winning candidate for U.S. President or Vice President dies, withdraws, or becomes incapacitated before the presidential electors meet, the electors are required to cast their votes for a successor candidate nominated by the political party of the original candidate. This addition modifies the existing law, which only specified that electors must vote for the candidate who received the highest number of votes without addressing the scenario of a candidate's incapacity or withdrawal.

Additionally, the bill changes the language regarding the eligibility of presidential electors. It removes the requirement that an elector must "knowingly" refuse to cast their vote to be deemed ineligible, instead stating that any refusal to vote will result in the elector's disqualification. Furthermore, if an elector is not present at the meeting, their office will also be considered vacant. The process for appointing a replacement elector remains, allowing the chairperson of the relevant political party to fill the vacancy, with the nomination and affidavit of qualification being filed with the Secretary of State as soon as practicable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-212
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-212