Opinion: Cast Your Vote Now to Shape the Future and Decide the Outcomes!

As the 2024 election cycle nears its climax, Arizona voters are increasingly anxious for timely election results. With the stakes high, many are reflecting on past delays that marred previous cycles.

Warren Petersen, President of the Arizona State Senate, emphasizes the urgency of a streamlined voting process. Recent elections have placed Arizona in the national spotlight, often for the wrong reasons. Problems with day-of voting and results lagging into weeks have left many citizens frustrated.

However, there’s a path forward. Petersen advocates for early in-person voting, which could drastically improve the timeline for reporting results. By casting votes before Election Day, voters can mitigate potential issues that typically arise at the polls.

Understanding the vote-counting process is crucial. The first results reported at 8 p.m. on election night come from ballots submitted before 7 p.m. on the preceding Friday. Additional updates follow throughout the night as in-person voting results are tallied. If all ballots were cast with these guidelines in mind, initial outcomes might be known by midnight.

Yet, Arizona’s reputation for narrow margins complicates matters. In the 2022 elections, races were decided by mere hundreds of votes, underscoring how every vote counts. These close contests delay the announcement of winners, as officials wait to process nearly all ballots.

A lesser-known fact is that ballots dropped off on Election Day face extended verification processes. These “late earlies” must undergo signature checks and may require curing if discrepancies arise. The county has a limited window to resolve issues, which can extend the timeline even further.

Despite these challenges, Petersen urges citizens to take proactive measures. He recommends voting early, noting that locations are available Monday through Saturday, with some centers in Maricopa County even open on Sundays. Early voting details can be accessed online, enabling more citizens to participate effectively.

The call to action is clear: don’t let ballots go uncounted due to last-minute decisions. The future of Arizona hinges on every vote, and with national attention focused on the state, residents are encouraged to ensure their voices are heard promptly.

Warren Petersen represents Legislative District 14 and is an advocate for efficient election practices. He can be contacted at wpetersen@azleg.gov.