GOP Legislature Rushes Election Bill to Governor Hobbs Amid Expected Veto

Republican lawmakers in Arizona approved a contentious measure on Thursday that would eliminate voters’ ability to drop off early ballots at polling places on Election Day. This decision now rests with Governor Katie Hobbs, who has indicated she intends to veto the bill, with a possible action as soon as Monday.

The legislation, which garnered no Democratic support, aims to expedite the election results process by preventing what supporters describe as delays associated with “late-early ballots.” Current state law allows early ballots to be mailed as long as they reach county offices by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Under the proposed HB2703, voters would no longer be able to drop off their ballots at polling places on Election Day. Instead, they would need to deliver their ballots directly to county election offices, a requirement that critics argue could disproportionately affect voters in rural areas, who may face long drives.

While voters with early ballots could still cast their votes on Election Day, they would be required to show identification, similar to those voting in-person. This could lead to increased lines and further delays, exacerbating the very issues the bill purports to address.

Republicans argue that the current ballot counting process contributes to unacceptable delays in announcing election results. Any early ballot dropped off at polling locations requires signature verification, which cannot occur on-site and must be processed at county offices. This problem became evident in Maricopa County, where over 290,000 late-early ballots were submitted.

Governor Hobbs has expressed strong opposition to the measure, asserting that it would disenfranchise voters who prefer to finalize their ballots at home and drop them off on Election Day. Representative Myron Tsosie highlighted the impracticality for constituents who may need to drive several hours to the nearest recorder’s office.

Hobbs, who has served as Secretary of State, emphasizes the need to protect voters’ rights. “My line in the sand has been and will continue to be if you make it harder for Arizonans to cast their ballots, that’s a ‘no’ for me,” she stated ahead of the bill’s hearings.

Republicans are preparing a similar proposal for the 2026 election that would bypass the governor’s veto. The governor contends she has been open to negotiating alternatives to improve the voting process while preserving same-day drop-off rights.

Representative Alexander Kolodin criticized Hobbs for what he described as a lack of good-faith negotiations, asserting that her suggestions were unclear and impractical. Meanwhile, the governor’s communications aide clarified that the administration would agree to an early drop-off deadline only if certain voter-access provisions were included in the negotiations.

The controversy extends to other legislative provisions within the bill, including one that demands voters verify their addresses to remain on the active early voter list. Hobbs argues this adds unnecessary burdens and complicates access to ballots.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are on Governor Hobbs, who is expected to make her decision on the bill early next week.