PHX Reporter

The Arizona House of Representatives has passed HB2703, a measure aimed at enhancing election integrity. The bill, supported by the House Republican Majority, seeks to improve election security, streamline early voting, and ensure timely ballot counting.

Representative Alex Kolodin led the effort for this reform. He said, "We’re bringing common sense back to the process," highlighting issues with delayed ballot processing due to last-minute submissions. The reform aims to address these delays and ensure accurate mail-in ballot distribution.

During Arizona's 2024 general election, over 260,000 early ballots were returned late, causing processing delays. HB2703 aligns with practices in states like Florida that have seen improvements in election efficiency.

Representative Hendrix, who sponsored the legislation, remarked that "Arizonans deserve an election system that is transparent, secure, and free of unnecessary delays." He emphasized that HB2703 aims to eliminate such delays and reinforce electoral integrity.

Key changes proposed by HB2703 include setting a deadline for early ballots at 7:00 PM on the Friday before Election Day and allowing counties to offer on-site tabulation during early voting. It also includes measures for maintaining accurate voter rolls and removing barriers for schools serving as polling places.

House Speaker Steve Montenegro expressed support for the bill, stating that it addresses voter concerns about delayed results. "Arizona voters are tired of waiting days—sometimes weeks—for election results," he said. Montenegro praised Representatives Kolodin and Hendrix for their leadership in advancing this legislation.

The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.