Senate Engrossed

misplaced ballots; invalidity; misdemeanor; damages

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

SENATE BILL 1056

An Act

amending title 16, chapter 4, article 10, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 16-605; relating to conduct of elections.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 16, chapter 4, article 10, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 16-605, to read:

START_STATUTE16-605. Invalid ballots; misplaced ballots; damages; violation; classification

A. Any ballots that are not included in the chain of custody documentation are invalid ballots and shall not be counted.  A person who knowingly places a ballot into the collection, verification or tabulation process outside of the official chain of custody is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

B. If a ballot is accidentally misplaced and cannot be counted and is a provisional or early ballot that identifies the voter on the face of the affidavit or envelope, the voter of that misplaced ballot may file an action for damages against the governmental body administering the election for the loss of the right to vote.END_STATUTE