Arizona Senate Splits 17-12 on Election Rules That Could Reshape How State Votes

Arizona voters could soon decide whether to lock a set of election changes into the state constitution, after Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-AZ) and Senate Republicans pushed a proposed amendment through the chamber Tuesday by a vote of 17-12.

The measure, SCR 1001, touches nearly every corner of how Arizona runs its elections, from when polls are effectively closed to who can fund political campaigns.

At its core, the proposal would require voters to show government-issued photo identification at the polls and mandate that anyone wanting a mail-in ballot formally request one before each general election while verifying their address.

It would also move up the end of the early voting window, cutting it off no later than 7:00 p.m. the Friday before election day. Supporters say tighter deadlines would allow counties to process ballots more efficiently and deliver results to the public faster.

The measure would also permanently prohibit foreign nationals and foreign corporations from donating to Arizona candidates or ballot initiatives.

Sen. Bolick described the proposal as a matter of basic election administration. "If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should not have the ability to vote in our elections," she said. "If you want a mail-in ballot, you request it. If you cast a ballot, you show proof of ID."

She also addressed concerns about the measure's intent. "This is not about partisanship; this is about principle," Bolick said.

However, Arizona Senate Democrats characterized the measure differently, explaining that it would abolish the Active Early Voting List and could open the door to eliminating mail voting in the future.

Democratic senators who voted against it are:

• Lela Alston (D-AZ),
• Flavio Bravo (D-AZ)
• Eva Diaz (D-AZ), ,
• Mitzi Epstein (D-AZ)
• Brian Fernandez (D-AZ)
• Rosanna Gabaldón (D-AZ)
• Sally Ann Gonzales (D-AZ)
• Theresa Hatathlie (D-AZ)
• Lauren Kuby (D-AZ)
• Analise Ortiz (D-AZ)
• Kiana Maria Sears (D-AZ)
• Priya Sundareshan (D-AZ)

As the measure proposes a constitutional amendment, the decision ultimately rests with Arizona voters, who will weigh in at the ballot box.