Putting Voters First in Arizona Elections
The “Voters First Act” is a proposal to modernize, standardize, and prioritize the voting
process for every eligible voter in Arizona.
What Is the Voters First Act?
The “Voters First Act” is a legislative proposal to modernize, standardize, and prioritize the voting process for every eligible voter in Arizona. Access and security are not mutually exclusive when it comes to running our elections. The desperately needed funds this bill calls for would invest directly in the cyber security and infrastructure our state relies on to carry out elections in all 15 counties. This proposal signals that the days of accepting the bare minimum for election investments are over. We can have it all, but the legislature must pay for it.
CORE PILLARS OF THE VOTERS FIRST ACT
1.FASTER, MORE RELIABLE VOTING
Designed to reduce lines, confusion, and unnecessary ballot rejection.
- Vote centers available statewide
- Extended early voting hours
- Continuous ballot processing on Election Day
- Counting ballots mistakenly returned to the wrong county
2.ELECTION SECURITY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Strengthens defenses against errors, interference, and outdated systems.
- Modernized voter protection zones
- Participation in ERIC to maintain accurate voter rolls
- Dedicated funding for election IT and cybersecurity
3.VOTER COMMUNICATION & TRANSPARENCY
Voters stay informed about the status of their ballot from start to finish.
- Ballot tracking notifications
- Ballot curing alerts for fixable issues
4.ADEQUATE ELECTION FUNDING
Ensures counties can run modern, consistent elections statewide.
- Allows election offices (SOS and counties) to accept private grants
- Supports equipment upgrades, training, and voter education
WHY THIS MATTERS
Election systems matter when ensuring everyone has their voice heard. Underfunded systems can result in ballots being rejected for fixable issues, delays and errors, and long lines discourage voter participation. Secure systems require ongoing investment. The “Voters First Act” will help ensure our voting system by:
Reducing Long Lines & Prioritizing Voters
Using vote centers statewide will allow voters greater flexibility in where they cast their ballot, easing congestion at polling places and accommodating busy schedules. Restoring the Permanent Early Vote List (PEVL) and extending early voting through 5 p.m. on the Monday before Election Day will give voters more time and certainty to participate, reducing last-minute rushes and barriers. Counting early ballots that are accidentally returned to the wrong county prevents eligible votes from being discarded over technical mistakes. Finally, allowing the continuous collection and processing of ballots on Election Day speeds up results and reduces administrative bottlenecks, increasing confidence that votes are handled efficiently and accurately.
ENSURING EVERY LEGAL VOTE IS COUNTED
This proposal will strengthen election integrity while making voting safer and more secure for everyone. Modernizing the 75-foot voter protection zone for drop boxes and voting locations helps ensure voters can cast ballots free from intimidation or interference. Mandating participation in ERIC, with dedicated funding, improves the accuracy of voter rolls and reduces errors while protecting eligible voters. Investing at least $1 million in election IT and cybersecurity through the Secretary of State’s budget safeguards election systems from threats, protects voter data, and increases public confidence in secure, reliable elections.
PROVIDING ONGOING INVESTMENTS TO ENSURE SECURE SYSTEMS
Arizona lawmakers prohibited election offices from accepting privately
funded election grants, cutting off a resource that had long helped counties modernize equipment, educate voters, and run secure, efficient elections— just as many other government agencies are still allowed to do. Restoring the ability of the Secretary of State and counties to accept transparent, regulated private grants would give election officials the tools they need to support voters, improve election administration, and pilot innovative programs without burdening taxpayers. Adequate funding ensures elections are well-run, accessible, and worthy of public trust.
BUILDING VOTER TRUST THROUGH
CLEAR COMMUNICATION
Clear, timely communication builds trust in our elections. Requiring counties to provide automated early ballot tracking and ballot-curing notifications by text and email ensures voters know when their ballot is received, counted, or needs action. With proper funding, this system increases transparency, reduces uncertainty, and gives voters confidence that their voice is heard and their vote counts.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
The “Voters First Act” has been introduced in both the Arizona State Senate (SB1262) and House of Representative (HB2907). Call or email your legislator today telling them you want the “Voters First Act” to have the consideration it deserves by being heard in Committee before the deadline on February 20. You can also sign in as in support using the Request to Speak (RTS) system.