ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session
	House: MOE DPA 6-4-0-0

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HB2305: ballots; signature verification; observers

Sponsor: Representative McGarr, LD 17

Caucus & COW

Overview

Requires the County Recorder and county officer in charge of elections to allow party representatives to observe each stage of the signature verification process for early ballots.

History

Signature verification is the process of comparing the signature on a voter’s ballot affidavit with the voter’s signature in the voter registration database. Signature verification is intended to ensure that only those individuals eligible to vote have their vote counted (Signature Verification Guide).

The county chairman of each political party represented on the ballot may designate representatives to act as early ballot challengers for the party. Each party must mutually agree on the number of representatives that can be present at one time. If an agreement cannot be reached, the number of representatives shall be limited to one for each political party (A.R.S. § 16-552).

Provisions

1. Adds that the County Recorder and county officer in charge of elections must allow representatives from the two largest political parties to observe each stage of the signature verification process. (Sec. 1)

Amendments

Committee on Municipal Oversight & Elections

1. Outlines the circumstances in which an individual may observe and challenge a ballot.

2. States that challenged affidavit envelopes must be reviewed by a bi-partisan challenge review board.

3. Specifies the chain of custody standards that must be maintained.

4. Adds that any violation of this law constitutes a class 5 felony.

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8.                   HB 2305

9. Initials JH/IG         Page 0 Caucus & COW

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