Arizona Republicans Push for Faster Election Results, Inspired by Florida’s Model

Arizona Republicans have pre-filed a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the state’s election system, drawing inspiration from Florida’s practices. The bill is intended to expedite the reporting of election results, a move that has garnered support from within the party but faces uncertainty regarding approval from Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Frustration among lawmakers about the lengthy ballot counting process has fueled this initiative. “Arizona is a laughingstock across the country for how long it takes to determine election outcomes,” remarked Sen. J.D. Mesnard in a statement following the recent general election.

Both Mesnard and Senate President Warren Petersen have introduced bills focused on hastening election result announcements. Petersen’s bill is set to be the first discussed in the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee, led by Sen. Wendy Rogers.

Petersen’s legislation seeks to shift the deadline for early ballot drop-offs to 7 p.m. the Friday preceding Election Day and to expand early voting opportunities to the weekend and the Monday before elections. Additionally, it proposes the repeal of rules that mandate “unforeseen circumstances” for emergency voting.

If enacted, the bill would allow voters dropping off late ballots to present identification and an affidavit while bypassing signature verification, a process identified as a significant cause of reporting delays.

Petersen’s proposals have also received backing from Thomas Galvin, Vice Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. He asserted that implementing these changes could lead to nearly 95% of ballots being tabulated by election night.

Political consultant Doug Cole emphasized the significance of Galvin’s support, given that Maricopa County accounts for roughly two-thirds of Arizona’s voters. “There’s more momentum right now than in years past,” Cole stated, suggesting the possibility of bipartisan negotiations.

Incoming House Speaker Steve Montenegro indicated intentions to introduce a companion bill to Petersen’s proposal, which is expected to pass smoothly in the Republican-controlled legislature. However, Democrats have expressed strong opposition.

Christian Slater, spokesperson for Gov. Hobbs, articulated that while the Governor is open to reforms designed to hasten the counting process, they must also safeguard voters’ rights. Any changes need to ensure accessible and fair elections for all Arizonans.

The Arizona Association of Counties has yet to take a stance on the new proposals. Executive Director Jen Marson mentioned that newly elected officials have not completed their county email setups, limiting their feedback on the legislation.

Past proposals aimed at expediting early ballot submissions faced resistance. A similar measure unsuccessfully proposed by Mesnard in previous years was vetoed by Hobbs, who stated it did not adequately address voter concerns. Mesnard has reintroduced a version of this bill as SB1001 for the upcoming session.

Outgoing Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has voiced support for accelerating election results, advocating for the elimination of late early ballots. Though he acknowledged potential accessibility drawbacks, he maintained that voters would still have ample opportunities to participate.

Criticism also arose from Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, who pointed out the vast differences in size between Arizona’s counties compared to Florida’s. She attributed past election delays to political influences on voter turnout.

Despite contention over Petersen’s measure, some Democrats have supported the overarching goal of quicker election results. A recent poll indicated that a majority of voters in Arizona are dissatisfied with the time it takes to finalize results, showcasing a common desire for reform in the election process.