ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session

---

HB 2602: polling places; emergency voting centers

Sponsor: Representative Bolick, LD 20

Committee on Government & Elections

Overview

Modifies statute relating to the establishment of emergency voting centers.

History

On a specific resolution of the county Board of Supervisors (BOS), the use of voting centers in addition to specifically designated polling places may be authorized.  These voting centers may be established in consultation with the county recorder at other county offices or at other locations deemed appropriate (A.R.S. § 16-411).

The county recorder or other officer in charge of elections may allow a qualified elector to update the elector's voter registration information at an emergency voting center.  If an established emergency voting center becomes unavailable and there is not sufficient time for the BOS to convene and approve an alternate location, the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections is authorized to make changes and must notify the public and the BOS as soon as practicable (A.R.S. § 16-411).

Provisions

1. Removes statute relating to the:

a) Authority of the county BOS to use voting centers in place of or in addition to specifically designated polling places;

b) Allowance of a county recorder or other officer in charge of elections to permit a qualified elector to update the elector's voter registration at an emergency voting center;

c) Ability of the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections to make changes to the approved emergency voting center location;

d) Requirement to post on the county recorder's website a list of polling places in which emergency conditions prevent electioneering; and

e) Requirement to designate a polling place as an emergency polling place and thus prohibit people from electioneering outside of the 75-foot limit. (Sec. 1)

2. States that an emergency voting center may only be established on the occurrence of a genuine emergency such as civil unrest, war or natural disaster that makes it likely that large numbers of voters will be substantially impaired in the ability to vote on election day as compared to other elections. (Sec. 1)

3. Clarifies that after the initial website posting of polling places, the reason, if any, for the emergency designation of a polling place must be stated. (Sec. 1)

4. Prohibits the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections from establishing emergency voting centers without the approval of the BOS. (Sec. 1)

5. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

6.

7.

8. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

9.                   HB 2602

10. Initials SJ  Page 0 Government & Elections

11.

12. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------