Will Governor Hobbs Sign or Veto Arizona’s Election Reform Bill?
The Arizona Legislature has passed HB1011/SB2703, a bill aimed at expanding early voting and streamlining election results reporting. The bill now sits on Governor Katie Hobbs’ desk, awaiting her signature or veto. This decision comes at a critical time, as Governor Hobbs has already set a record for the number of bills vetoed during her tenure—185 between January 2023 and April 2024. With Republican lawmakers expressing frustration over her veto record and constituents growing impatient with delayed election results, the question looms: Will Governor Hobbs sign this bill into law, or will she veto it and further isolate herself from the will of the people?
What Does the Bill Do?
HB1011/SB2703 introduces several key changes to Arizona’s election process including:
Three Extra Days of Early Voting: The bill adds Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before Election Day to the early voting period. This expansion is designed to make voting more accessible for individuals who may struggle to cast their ballots during the existing early voting window.
Same-Day Election Results Reporting: The bill mandates that election results be reported on the same day as the election. This provision addresses widespread frustration over delays in vote counting, which have become a recurring issue in recent elections.
On-Site Tabulation of Late Mail-In Ballots: In Maricopa County, voters who drop off their mail-in ballots at an early voting location after 7 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day will have their ballots tabulated on-site. This change aims to streamline the counting process and reduce delays in reporting results, particularly in Arizona’s most populous county.
Senate President Warren Peterson held a press conference with fellow Republicans, saying, “The bill will give election results the night of the election.” You can watch the video of the press conference here:
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A Governor’s Record of Vetoes
Governor Hobbs’ decision on this bill carries added weight due to her unprecedented use of the veto pen. Since taking office in January 2023, she has vetoed 185 bills, a record that has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers. Many of these vetoes have been seen as partisan, with Hobbs rejecting legislation passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature. This dynamic has fueled tensions at the state Capitol and left constituents wondering whether their elected officials can find common ground.
Republican lawmakers have been particularly vocal about their frustration. They argue that Hobbs’ vetoes disregard the will of the people and hinder progress on critical issues. With HB1011/SB2703 now on her desk, the question is whether she will continue this trend or break from it to address a pressing concern for Arizona voters.
Constituent Frustrations
Arizonans have grown increasingly impatient with the state’s election process, particularly the delays in reporting results. Results from the 2024 elections took weeks to report. Prolonged vote counting has led to uncertainty and mistrust among voters. HB1011/SB2703 seeks to address these concerns by requiring same-day reporting and streamlining the handling of mail-in ballots.
For many constituents, the bill represents a chance to restore confidence in the electoral process. However, its fate now rests in the hands of Governor Hobbs, whose decision will signal whether she is willing to prioritize voter access and efficiency over partisan politics.
The Stakes for Governor Hobbs
Governor Hobbs’ decision on HB1011/SB2703 is more than just a policy choice—it’s a political test. Signing the bill could demonstrate her willingness to work across the aisle and respond to the concerns of Arizona voters. On the other hand, a veto could further alienate her from Republican lawmakers and constituents who are eager for election reform.
As the bill sits on her desk, all eyes are on Governor Hobbs. Will she veto the will of the people and continue her record of isolation, or will she sign this bill into law and take a step toward bridging the divide? The answer could have lasting implications for Arizona’s elections and her political legacy.
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