Republicans Push Florida-Inspired Voting Bill to Hobbs’ Desk, Setting Stage for Veto Showdown

Republican lawmakers in Arizona have swiftly advanced a new bill designed to expedite election results, bringing policies reminiscent of those adopted in Florida to the forefront. This legislation, House Bill 2703, passed the House of Representatives with a 32-27 vote on February 12 and cleared the Senate the following day with a 16-10 vote, garnering support solely from Republicans.

The bill is anticipated to face a veto from Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, amidst accusations from both sides regarding a lack of compromise. Republican Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko expressed that Hobbs would be nationally criticized if she vetoed the bill, impacting perceptions of the state’s election efficiency.

Historically, Arizona has reported full election results around 13 days post-election, a timeline criticized as inefficacious. Senate President Warren Petersen emphasized the need to provide quicker outcomes, claiming, “The madness needs to stop.” The proposal aims to enhance voter confidence and alleviate frustrations tied to delayed results.

One of the most contentious aspects of HB 2703 limits the drop-off of mail-in ballots, or “late earlies,” creating a cutoff at 7 p.m. the Friday before Election Day. Currently, voters can deliver their mail-in ballots to any polling site up until 7 p.m. on Election Day; however, the counting and verification process can delay results.

Data from the Secretary of State’s Office indicates more than 264,000 Arizonans—close to 8% of voters—utilized this drop-off option during the November elections. Critics, including House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos, argue that capping this method would disenfranchise many voters.

Despite support from most of the state’s 15 county recorders, voting rights advocates have strongly opposed the bill, citing that it may hinder voter access. While supporters note that voters can still utilize official ballot drop boxes on Election Day, concerns persist over reduced access points—decreasing from over 600 locations to an estimated 135.

Lawmakers acknowledged efforts were made to include varying stakeholders during the bill’s deliberation, although the focus on eliminating drop-offs at polling sites was met with significant criticism. The legislation stipulates that after the 7 p.m. cutoff preceding elections, ballots must be returned to the county recorder’s office or designated early voting locations, necessitating voter identification.

Additions to the bill include provisions for early in-person voting on designated weekend days, along with requiring periodic address confirmations for early ballot recipients in several counties. These measures have met with mixed responses, particularly from those advocating for easier voter access.

With Governor Hobbs poised to veto the bill, Republicans are considering an alternative measure, House Concurrent Resolution 2013, which could be presented to voters in 2026. The ongoing debate underscores substantial divisions regarding election procedures in Arizona, as both sides prepare for potential confrontations in future electoral cycles.