Made in the USA: Arizona’s Push for Homegrown Voting Machines by 2029

Arizona is moving forward with a new law that will require all voting equipment used in federal, state, and county elections to be entirely sourced and manufactured in the United States by 2029. The goal is to improve security and ensure that the equipment used in elections is reliable and free from foreign influence. The law would also include stricter certification requirements for voting systems, ensuring they are thoroughly tested and approved by accredited laboratories before being used.

The legislation passed both chambers of the Arizona Legislature with broad support. The bill cleared its final hurdle on April 29, 2025, with a 17-11 vote in the Senate, following a 33-27 vote in the House in late February. Now, the bill is on the governor’s desk, awaiting her approval. If signed into law, Arizona will become one of the first states to implement such stringent standards for voting equipment.

It would require that starting January 1, 2029, all vote recording and tabulating machines used in Arizona’s elections be entirely sourced from the United States. This includes not just the components, but also the manufacturing and assembly processes. Supporters of the bill argue that this will reduce the potential for foreign interference in U.S. elections. However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting the 2029 deadline, as there are currently no fully domestically produced voting machines that meet these new requirements.

It also establishes strict certification procedures for voting equipment, mandating that all systems undergo thorough testing and approval by accredited laboratories in line with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The Secretary of State will have the authority to revoke certifications for equipment that fails to meet these standards or if unauthorized upgrades are made. The law also includes provisions for the experimental use of voting equipment and allows for emergency certifications if necessary.

Additionally, the legislation allows for the use of voting systems acquired before 2028 without the U.S.-sourcing requirement. It also gives the Secretary of State the power to approve emergency use of voting equipment for a limited period, should the need arise.

As Arizona approaches the final stages of the legislative process for this bill, it represents a significant step in securing the state’s elections. By focusing on ensuring U.S.-manufactured equipment, Arizona hopes to eliminate potential vulnerabilities that could come from foreign sources. With this new measure, the state is taking steps to modernize its election systems and keep the voting process secure. If the governor signs it into law, Arizona could set a national precedent for other states looking to enhance election security and voter confidence.