Gov. Hobbs Strikes Down GOP Bill for Faster Ballot Counting

Republican lawmakers in Arizona have initiated a ballot referral for 2026 to propose a quicker ballot counting process, a response to Governor Katie Hobbs’ recent veto of an expedited counting bill.

Hobbs expressed her commitment to timely election results while highlighting concerns that the legislation would further disenfranchise voters by imposing additional steps for mail-in voting. In her veto letter, she stated, “more steps for mail-in voters” would create barriers.

The veto was criticized by Senate President Warren Petersen, who labeled it a “huge mistake” and a “missed opportunity” for improving election efficiency.

In light of the veto, Republican lawmakers are preparing a ballot measure that seeks voter approval for a plan similar to the one Hobbs rejected. However, if passed, the implementation of such changes would be delayed until the 2028 presidential election.

The proposed resolution is set for a final House vote before advancing to the Senate.

Governor Hobbs hinted at her decision before the veto, emphasizing the need for collaboration. “If these folks were serious about actually solving this problem, then they would have negotiated with me,” she remarked.

Democratic legislators have decried the bill as “wildly irresponsible,” contrasting with Republican claims of its popularity among constituents who desire immediate election results.

The GOP’s proposal suggests a trade-off: an earlier deadline for in-person early ballot submissions in exchange for prompt election night results. Maricopa County officials indicated the measure would enable them to tally 95% of ballots by election night.

The legislation aims to address “late earlies” that prolong the counting process and affect the timing of news outlets’ election calls.

Currently, a significant number of early ballots are dropped off at vote centers on Election Day, complicating the counting process due to mandatory signature verification that only occurs after the election.

Should the bill pass, the in-person early ballot return deadline would shift to the Friday prior to the election. Voters returning ballots on Election Day would be required to visit their county recorder’s office instead of a nearby vote center.

Additionally, the bill would impose stricter regulations on early voters, particularly those in Maricopa and Pima Counties, which together represent about 75% of voters in Arizona. These voters would need to verify their address biennially, even if they remain on the Active Early Voter List, potentially creating challenges for rural residents who may not have easy access to county offices.