ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: GOV DP 4-3-1-0 | 3^rd Read 16-14-0-0 House: GE DPA/SE 7-6-0-0

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SB 1713: early ballots; identification; mailing

S/E same subject

Sponsor:  Senator Mesnard, LD 17

Caucus & COW

Summary to the Strike-Everything Amendment to SB 1713

Overview

Specifies the required information to be included on an early ballot affidavit.

History

Current statute requires an early ballot to be accompanied by an envelope that, on the front, contains the name, official title and post office address of the recorder or other officer in charge of elections and on the other side a printed affidavit.  Printed instructions must be supplied by the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections to the early voters that directs them to sign the affidavit, mark the ballot and return them in the self-addressed envelope that is enclosed (A.R.S. § 16-547).

The early voter is required to make and sign the affidavit and must then mark the ballot in a manner that the voter's vote cannot be seen.  Next, the early voter is directed to fold the ballot so as to conceal the vote and deposit the voted ballot in the provided envelope for that purpose, which must be securely sealed and, together with the affidavit, mailed or delivered to the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections.  In order for the ballot to be counted and valid, the ballot must be received by the county recorder or deposited at any polling place in the county no later than 7:00 p.m. on election day (A.R.S. § 16-548).

Provisions

1. Stipulates that the affidavit that accompanies the early ballot must be able to be concealed when delivered or mailed to the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections. (Sec. 2)

2. States that the affidavit must require a voter to provide voter information. (Sec. 2)

3. Specifies that a special district that is not primarily supported by taxes may provide an early ballot affidavit that does not do either of the following:

a) Require a voter to provide voter information; or

b) Conceal the voter's signature when delivered or mailed to the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections. (Sec. 2)

4. Provides that a special district that is not primarily supported by taxes may provide an early ballot affidavit that does not require the voter to provide voter information. (Sec. 3)

5. Asserts that the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections must confirm the elector's voter information submitted by the elector and provide the same curing period and requirements for inconsistent voter information as for inconsistent signatures. (Sec. 4)

6. Defines completed affidavit and voter information. (Sec. 1)

7. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2, 3)

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11.                   SB 1713

12. Initials SJ  Page 0 Caucus & COW

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