ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session
	Senate: GOV DP 5-2-0-0 | 3^rd Read 28-0-2-0 House: GE DPA 11-0-1-1 | 3^rd Read 32-25-3-0 Final Pass: 24-4-2-0

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SB 1638: early ballots; visually impaired voters

Sponsor: Senator Pace, LD  25

Transmitted to the Governor

Overview

Adds an accessible vote by United States mail option for blind or visually impaired individuals.

History

To provide equivalent access to voters who are blind or visually impaired, the Secretary of State (SOS) is required to consult and obtain recommendations from the following: 1) nonprofit organizations that represent blind or visually impaired individuals; 2) persons with expertise in hardware, accessible software and other technology; and 3) county and local election officials and other persons deemed appropriate by the SOS. The SOS must then submit recommendations to the committee that adopts vote tabulating equipment for possible certification in Arizona (A.R.S. § 16-442.01).

Provisions

1. Requires the implementation of an accessible vote by United States mail option for persons who are blind or have a visual impairment. (Sec. 2)

2. Includes the use of an accessible vote by United States mail option for early voting for persons who have a visual impairment or are blind. (Sec. 3)

3. Contains a delayed effective date for Laws 2022, Ch. 99 of January 1, 2023. (Sec. 4)

4. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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8.                   SB 1638

9. Initials SJ/BSR     Page 0 Transmitted

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