Senate Republicans Seek Amendments That May Restrict Arizona Voting Centers

Arizona’s Republican lawmakers are once again pursuing changes to voting laws after Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a previous proposal aimed at aligning the state’s election process with Florida’s. The Arizona Senate has moved forward with new bills, approved along party lines, that are expected to face another veto from Hobbs.

Among these proposals are Senate Bill 1097 and Senate Bill 1098, introduced by Senator Jake Hoffman, the leader of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus. SB1097 mandates the closure of public schools on election days and requires those with gymnasiums to serve as polling places upon county request, eliminating current exemptions for safety or space concerns.

This legislation aims to prioritize precinct-based voting locations instead of allowing all registered voters in the county to vote at any center, a practice currently used in most counties. While Democrats expressed concerns over potential staffing shortages at polling places, Hoffman countered that the bill would enhance access to voting by creating more polling options.

Democratic Senator Mitzi Epstein criticized the bill as dismissive of teachers, stating it implies that educators are less deserving of time off than others. She expressed disbelief at the notion of preventing teachers from taking leave on Election Day, pointing to existing practices within school districts rather than mandates from the state.

Senate Bill 1098 introduces identification requirements for voters dropping off early ballots, alongside an affidavit affirming their legal right to do so. Currently, early ballots can be submitted without ID verification. The bill’s backers argue it addresses concerns over ballot security and accountability, but opponents fear it could create confusion and disproportionately impact rural voters, particularly if education about the changes is not adequately funded.

Both bills will soon be debated in the House of Representatives, where their fate remains uncertain. As legislative discussions continue, the tension between Republican initiatives and Democratic opposition highlights the contentious nature of voting rights in Arizona.