ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session
	House: MOE DPA 6-4-0-0

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HB 2591: elections; early ballot drop boxes

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

House Engrossed

Overview

Establishes specified minimum requirements for the use of early ballot drop boxes.

History

The County Recorder or officer in charge of elections can begin mailing out early ballots 27 days before the election.  An early election board can tabulate early ballots as soon as they are received.  In Arizona, mailed early ballots must be received by the County Recorder or officer in charge of elections no later than 5:00 pm 11 days before the election (A.R.S. § 16-542).

A voter may also drop off a voted early ballot on election day. Before the early ballot can be tabulated, election officials must compare the signature on the ballot affidavit with the signature on the voter's registration record.  Provided the County Recorder or officer in charge of elections allows for the on-site tabulation of voted early ballots, a voter may, upon presentation of valid identification and while under the supervision of an election official, remove the early ballot from the completed affidavit envelope and insert it into a tabulating machine (A.R.S. §§ 16-550, 16-579.02).

Provisions

1. Authorizes the use of ballot drop boxes used to receive voted early ballots, if the drop boxes are:

a) Located inside a county building or secured to a building or footing if located outside;

b) Usable only during specified days and times and locked in a manner that prevents the deposit of ballots during off hours; and

c) Monitored by a functioning camera or video recorder that meets specified requirements. (Sec. 1)

2. Modifies the penalty for a person who knowingly marks a ballot or ballot envelope with the intent to fix an election to include a fine of $1,000 for each ballot. (Sec. 2)

3. States a person who unlawfully possesses voted or unvoted ballots for sale is subject to a fine of $1,000 for each ballot. (Sec. 2)

4. Asserts a person who knowingly collects voted or unvoted early ballots is subject to a $100 fine for each ballot unlawfully collected from a voter or unlawfully delivered to a ballot drop box.  (Sec. 2).

5. Contains a legislative intent statement. (Sec. 3)

6. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2)

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                        HB 2591

Initials JH        Page 0 House Engrossed

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