HB2078 proposes amendments to Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically adding sections 16-605 and 16-606, which relate to the conduct of elections. The bill allows an "eligible person" to request an explanation and supporting documentation from the county recorder or other election officer regarding actions that appear to violate statutes, irregularities in precinct or voting center results, or inadequacies in required documentation. The county recorder or election officer must respond within 20 days, and if the requester is unsatisfied, they may request additional information or submit a written request to the Secretary of State (SOS) for review.

The bill defines an "eligible person" as a candidate in the election in question, a county political party chairperson, or the chairperson of a political committee that supports or opposes a ballot measure in the election. Upon receiving a request, the SOS is required to review the matters and may request further information. If unsatisfied with the response, the SOS may conduct an audit. The county recorder or election officer must cooperate with the audit and remedy any issues identified by the SOS within 30 days. The SOS can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 for each unresolved finding against the county recorder or election officer.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-605, 16-606
House Engrossed Version: 16-605, 16-606