Updated February 18, 2025
This bill has been vetoed:
Letter by Governor Katie Hobbs to the Speaker:
Today, I vetoed HB 2703. While I too want faster election results, the solution should not needlessly restrict Arizona citizens freedom to vote, or undermine the learning and safety of students in public school districts. This legislation effectively ends the Active Early Voting List, something that has nothing to do with faster election results, but disenfranchises voters by adding additional steps for the hundreds of thousands of Arizona voters who prefer to vote by mail. Making it less convenient to vote is something I have consistently said I cannot support. Arizonans are relying on us to work together and put their rights ahead of any partisan agenda.
Compromises I proposed would increase voter freedom while speeding up election results. Proposed changes included Friday early ballot drop off restrictions, while protecting the Active Early Voting List and some combination of same day voter registration, cross-county portability of voter registration, and expanded assistance for eligible voters to return their ballots in a timely manner. A negotiated bill that included some of these provisions would have shown Arizonans that it is possible to both speed up counting and expand voter access.
Unfortunately, any potential compromise was rejected, leading me to believe the focus of this legislation is disenfranchising eligible voters, not delivering faster election results for Arizonans.
Any bill on this issue must reflect the efforts of good-faith negotiations and uphold
Arizona citizens' access to the ballot box.
Phoenix, AZ – February 13, 2025 – Important changes to Arizona’s election procedures are on the horizon following the approval of Senate Bill 1011 with amendments. The bill, co-sponsored by State Senator David Gowan, proposes updates to early voting protocols, ballot submission deadlines, and voter verification processes aimed at speeding up election results and enhancing voter security measures.
The bill passed both the Arizona House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Katie Hobbs. Hobbs has voiced opposition to the bill, signaling an intent to veto it and accusing Republicans of trying to "jam through" a bill that makes it "harder to vote".
Arizona Republicans say the bill will provide same-day results, eliminating the days or weeks of waiting that Arizona residents have experienced. "As promised, the first bill being sent to the Governor this year is an election integrity measure. Recent polling shows most Arizona voters want us to take action to speed up vote counting. We are providing our citizens exactly what they've asked for," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "According to Maricopa County, if this legislation is signed into law, 95% of votes will be reported on election night."
Ballot Drop-off Changes Proposed to Start in 2026:
Maricopa County – Representing 65% of Arizona’s population, Maricopa County would allow mail-in ballots dropped off after 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day to be tabulated on-site at early voting locations. This change is expected to dramatically reduce the time needed to count these ballots and provide faster election results.
Other 14 Counties – In Arizona’s other counties, voters who drop off their mail-in ballots after 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day at polling locations will be required to show identification. This new rule allows county recorders to skip the traditional signature verification process, which is time-consuming and can delay results.
Voters will still be able to drop off mail-in ballots without check-in or ID for the 24 days prior to election day. However, after that period, those who do not wish to show ID at polling locations must submit their ballots directly to the county recorder’s office. These ballots would go through traditional signature verification.
Expanded Early Voting Opportunities
The bill adds three additional early voting days:
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before election day would be open for all voters, rather than being restricted to emergency voting. Under current law, a voter must sign a statement that says the person is experiencing or experienced an emergency between 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Monday before the election that would prevent the person from voting at the polls on Election Day.
Early Mail Voters
Voters on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) must confirm their address before receiving an early ballot. This confirmation is required:
Every election cycle for counties with populations of 500,000 or more.
Every two election cycles (four years) for counties with fewer than 500,000 people.
Address confirmation can be done through mail, phone, or a county website portal.
Reporting on Early Ballots
To improve transparency, counties without on-site tabulation are required to post the number of early ballots returned at voting locations on election day alongside unofficial election night results.
Logic and Accuracy Testing
Counties with on-site tabulation must test electronic ballot tabulating equipment for logic and accuracy within 50 days before election day.
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