By Jakob Thorington | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Republican measure would reform Arizona election law after Florida
- Democrats say it would make it more difficult for some voters
- Measure would go to the ballot, avoiding a likely veto from the governor
An election measure that would ask Arizona voters if they want Florida-style elections is one step closer to appearing on their ballots.
The House Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections Committee passed House Concurrent Resolution 2001 with a 4-3 vote along party lines on Jan. 21. The GOP measure, titled the “Arizona Secure Elections Act,” is intended to deliver faster Election Day results by changing voter identification and mail-ballot requirements.
“This year, the Arizona state Legislature will give the voters of Arizona the opportunity to transform our elections from a national embarrassment to a national model,” said the measure’s sponsor Rep. Alex Kolodin, R-Scottsdale.
If the resolution passes the Legislature and is approved by voters in November, the deadline to cast an early ballot would move to 7 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day. It would also require all voters to provide government-issued identification before casting their ballot and require mail voters to confirm their address each election year.
