ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session
	House: MOE DPA 6-4-0-0 | 3^rd Read: 31-29-0-0 Senate: ELEC DPA 5-3-0-0 | 3^rd Read: 16-13-1-0 Final Pass: 31-26-2-0-1

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HB2305: ballots; signature verification; observers

Sponsor: Representative McGarr, LD 17

Vetoed

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)

2. Outlines the circumstances in which an individual may observe and challenge a ballot. (Sec. 1)

3. States that challenged affidavit envelopes must be reviewed by a bi-partisan challenge review board. (Sec. 1)

4. Specifies the chain of custody standards that must be maintained. (Sec. 1)

5. Requires the County Recorder to maintain election board worker and employee documentation in the form of a log at each stage of the signature and affidavit verification process. (Sec. 1)

6. Requires specified documentation that discloses the number of signature verifications performed by each election board worker and employee. (Sec. 1)

7. Specifies that observers may observe from a distance of six feet. (Sec. 1)

8. Prohibits observers from observing in an election worker's home. (Sec. 1)

9. Prohibits observers from noting, transcribing, or disclosing any voter's personal identifying information. (Sec. 1)

10. Adds that any violation of this law constitutes a class 5 felony. (Sec. 1)

11. Makes technical changes.

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15.                   HB 2305

16. Initials JH/IG         Page 0 Vetoed

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