Increase Font Size

A- A A+

Lifelong Legal Learning

Arizona Election Facts Voters Need to Know

 

We all want to be sure our vote counts.  Being informed on both the law and the issues is important for us all.

You Must Provide Adequate Identification to Vote.

When you arrive at the polls on Election Day, you will walk up to an election official, announce your name and address, and present identification.  Only one form of ID is required if you provide any of the following photo identification documents:

  • A valid Arizona Drivers license with your current address listed;
  • A valid Arizona non-operating identification card (for those who do not drive);
  • A tribal enrollment card or some other valid form of tribal identification;
  • A valid United States federal, state, or local government identification card.

Without a valid photo ID, you will need two forms of identification to vote.  The two forms of ID will need to contain both your name and your address.  The acceptable options are:

  • A utility bill that is 90 days old or less;
  • A bank or credit union statement (must also be from within the last 90 days);
  • Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration;
  • A valid Indian census card;
  • A property tax statement from your residence;
  • A tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal ID;
  • An Arizona vehicle insurance card;
  • Recorder’s Certificate;
  • Valid U.S. federal, state, or local government issued ID, including voter registration card issued by the County Recorder;
  • Any mailing you receive marked “Official Election Material.”

What happens if the address on your photo ID does not match what the voting precinct has listed?  In that case, you can mix and match from the two lists.  For example:  you can use your photo ID along with a non-photo ID from the second list that contains an address matching the address the precinct has on record.

What Happens if You Did Not Bring Acceptable ID?

If you show up at the polls on Election Day with “unacceptable” ID, (maybe, the address on your Arizona Driver’s License differs from the one the precinct has listed), will you be allowed to vote?  You will be given a “conditional provisional ballot.”  Your provisional ballot will be counted only if you follow through in one of two ways.  You can return to the polling place by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day with valid proof of identification, or, you can present your valid ID at the county elections’ office within 5 business days of the general election or within 3 days of any other election.  If you do neither of those things, your ballot will not be counted.

Many Write-In Votes Will Not Be Counted.

Arizona has strict laws on write in candidates.  State law dictates that a write-in candidate must register his or her candidacy no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 40th day prior to the election.  If you cast a write-in vote for someone who has not registered, that vote will not be counted. On Election Day, resist voting for your neighbor or for anyone who has not registered as a write-in candidate.  Unofficial write-ins are the same as not voting at all.  You can find out who the registered write-in candidates are by contacting the Office of the County Recorder in the county where you live and vote. Registered write-ins will also be listed at your local polling place.

Voters with Disabilities Can Be Accommodated at the Polls.

All Arizona polling places were chosen with an eye toward ensuring disabled voters can make it to the polls.  All voting centers provide handicapped parking, and all are wheelchair accessible.  Each polling place will have a wheelchair accessible polling booth, magnifying equipment for the visually impaired, and polling workers who are ready and able to assist those with disabilities.  If someone is physically unable to enter the voting center, that individual may ask that an election worker bring a ballot out to his or her vehicle.  Disabled voters may also request permanent early voting.  They can make the request online or mail in a permanent early voter registration.  Those sites are listed in the resources below.

 

Resources

https://servicearizona.com/VoterRegistration/selectLanguage

www.azsos.gov/elections

www.azsos.gov/sites/default/files/voter_registration_form.pdf

https://recorder.maricopa.gov/elections/candidatecampaigninfo.aspx