Wildly Popular Legislation to Get Faster Election Results Passes Senate, Heads to Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Wildly Popular Legislation to Get Faster Election Results

Passes Senate, Heads to Governor

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate President Warren Petersen is delivering on a promise to solve Arizona's frustratingly slow ballot counting process and deliver faster election results after Arizona became the laughingstock of the nation for being one of the last states to announce the winners and losers of races during the past several election cycles. SB 1011/ HB 2703 just passed the Legislature and is being transmitted to the Governor for signature.

Beginning in 2026, SB 1011/ HB 2703 will allow voters who choose to drop off their mail-in ballots at an early voting location after 7 p.m. the Friday before election day to tabulate those ballots on site in Maricopa County, which represents 65% of the population of the state. In the other 14 counties, voters who choose to drop off their mail-in ballot at a polling location, after 7 p.m. the Friday before Election Day, will be required to show ID so that county recorders can skip the time-consuming signature verification process and speed up results. Voters are still able to drop off their mail-in ballots without check-in for 24 days prior to Election Day. After this date, voters with a mail-in ballot who do not wish to show ID at the polls will be required to drop off their ballot at the county recorder's office. To ensure that voters are not disenfranchised by the change, the bill adds three additional days of early voting: the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before Election Day, which were previously limited to emergency voting only. The bill also mandates public schools be used as voting locations to expand opportunities to vote and create more convenience for voters.

"As promised, the first bill being sent to the Governor this year is an election integrity measure. Recent polling shows most Arizona voters want us to take action to speed up vote counting. We are providing our citizens exactly what they've asked for," said President Petersen. "According to Maricopa County, if this legislation is signed into law, 95% of votes will be reported on election night. We should no longer have to wait weeks to determine winners and losers. The madness needs to stop. This bill will improve voter confidence and end the frustration. I'm hopeful the Governor will listen to Arizona voters and do the right thing."

"SB 1011/ HB 2703 is commonsense election legislation that will result in faster election results in Arizona," said Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko, District 4. "As a Maricopa County Supervisor, I know this legislation will help instill more confidence in our elections process. Governor Hobbs should sign this bill - it's the right thing to do for the future of Arizona elections!"

"Arizonans and Americans deserve and expect timely, accurate election results. This carefully crafted, nonpartisan legislation is a commonsense solution that ensures election integrity while expanding access by adding two extra days to an already nearly month-long early voting period," said Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart, District 1. "The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors fully supports this measure, and we strongly urge Governor Hobbs to sign this widely supported legislation to uphold voter confidence and deliver the efficient, transparent elections. It’s just common sense."

"Few people understand the critical need for speedier election results more than me," said Maricopa County Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. "A prolonged wait for results is agony for both the voters and the candidates. This bill is crucial to expedite Arizona's election results and improve voter confidence across the county and state. I'm grateful for President Petersen's leadership in working with us to craft this legislation, and I urge Governor Hobbs to sign the bill!"

"Florida has become a model for fast, accurate elections. As a legislator, I supported or co-sponsored similar legislation, and SB1011/ HB 2703 is a strong step to ensure Arizonans will be able to have the same fast results and confidence in our elections that Florida has," said Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap. "I applaud all those who voted for this critical bill and encourage Governor Hobbs to reconsider her stated opposition."

"Arizona voters take elections seriously and value timely and accurate results. Today, the Arizona Senate responded to their dissatisfaction with the current process for tabulation and reporting by passing SB 1011/ HB 2703," said Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis. "The bill will make critical improvements to the early ballot drop-off timeline in existing election law, that contributed to lengthy tabulation times. SC 1011/ HB 2703 includes necessary safeguards to ensure every voter has equal access, while respecting the will of the people and the purpose of elections. We applaud Senator Petersen for including County Recorders in drafting this bill, allowing us to also advocate for our constituents."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov