ARIZONA STATE SENATE

ZACK DEAN

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

JUDICIARY & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

RESEARCH STAFF

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

JUDICIARY & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

DATE:            February 9, 2026

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to S.B. 1687, relating to voter access; elections; primary date

Purpose

            Beginning in 2027, moves the date of the primary election from the second to last Tuesday in July to the Tuesday before the last Monday in May.

Background

            Statutes outlines requirements relating to the conduct of elections, including the timeframes by which certain elections related tasks must be completed. The primary election is held on the second to last Tuesday in July and the biennial general election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even numbered years. Early voting commences 27 days prior to the election and ends at 5:00 p.m. on election day. For an early ballot affidavit envelope with any inconsistencies, the elector may cure the signature within five calendar days of a primary, general or special election with a federal office on the ballot or within three business days for all other elections (A.R.S. Title 16). Laws 2026, Chapter 1 modified the elections timeline by moving the 2026 primary election date from August 4, 2026, to July 21, 2026.

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Moves, beginning in 2027 and later, the date of the primary election in any year in which a general election or special election is held from the second to last Tuesday in July to the Tuesday before the last Monday in May.

2. Makes conforming changes.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.