New Legislation Aims to Tighten Early Ballot Drop-Off Rules for 2024

The Arizona Senate’s first bill for the upcoming legislative session seeks to impose new restrictions on early ballot drop-offs. This includes a proposal to shorten the timeframe voters have to return their ballots to polling places.

Despite its introduction, the bill’s future appears uncertain. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs previously vetoed a similar measure earlier this year, leading many to question the likelihood of new success for Senate Bill 1001.

Introduced by Chandler Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard, the bill mandates that voters dropping off ballots after the Friday before Election Day must present identification. This follows a significant volume of early ballots dropped off on Arizona’s Election Day, with Maricopa County alone reporting over 225,000.

Mesnard claims the bill serves as a solid starting point for discussions and hopes to negotiate a compromise with colleagues. He expressed doubts about the Governor’s willingness to engage on this issue but remains optimistic that a version of the bill could emerge that satisfies all parties involved.

A representative from Hobbs’ office did not respond to requests for clarification on her position. The legislation has surfaced amid critiques regarding Arizona’s ballot counting efficiency, particularly when compared to states like Florida, which reports its results more promptly.

The differences in ballot drop-off regulations between Arizona and Florida contribute to this issue. In Arizona, voters can drop off ballots at any polling site, while Florida restricts this to county elections offices. This factor contributes to the lengthy verification process, impacting the time it takes to release final election results.

In his advocacy, Mesnard pointed out that delays in results can erode public trust, arguing for a system that enables quicker counting of early votes. He emphasized the immediate tallies of ballots cast in person on Election Day, contrasting this with the drawn-out tallying of early drop-off ballots.

Voting rights advocates countered that Mesnard’s proposal could create additional barriers for voters, particularly for those in lower socioeconomic brackets who may rely on last-minute voting. Critics, such as Alex Gulotta, state director for All Voting is Local Action, criticized the bill as misguided, stating the delays in results were exacerbated by the proliferation of ballot measures introduced by lawmakers.

Gulotta pointed to the complications arising from an extensive ballot this year, which doubled the workload for Maricopa County election officials tasked with counting the votes under tight deadlines. He voiced concerns that added voter ID requirements would not increase accessibility but rather restrict it for many citizens.

Supporters of the bill, including Mesnard, argue that providing identification should not deter voters, asserting that many community members support the notion of uniform standards. He noted increased backing for these changes from constituents and local GOP officials.

Gulotta, however, suggested Republicans focus on bipartisan solutions proposed by Governor Hobbs’ election task force, which offers a range of recommendations that could enhance the state’s election integrity. He warned against emulating Florida’s controversial practices in election administration, underscoring the need for thoughtful reform rather than polarizing measures.