Arizona Secure Elections Act Introduced Ahead of 2026 Legislative Session

Proposal centers on voter identification, foreign-money restrictions, and clarified ballot deadlines

A New Election-Reform Proposal Moves Forward

Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin has introduced a wide-ranging election measure he says is meant to bring greater consistency and confidence to how elections are run across the state. Filed as House Concurrent Resolution 2001, the Arizona Secure Elections Act will be considered when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January. If approved by the Legislature, the measure will head directly to the general-election ballot for voters to decide.

Focus on Voter Eligibility and Campaign Finance

The proposal outlines several changes centered on clarifying who may vote and who may fund campaigns. According to the release, the Act reaffirms that only U.S. citizens are permitted to vote in Arizona elections, reflecting what sponsors describe as a “one citizen, one vote” standard. It also includes a prohibition on campaign contributions from foreign individuals or corporations to any candidate or ballot measure, a provision positioned as a safeguard against outside financial influence.

Uniform Identification Standards

One of the most notable components involves voter identification. Under the proposal, Arizonans casting a ballot would be required to present government-issued identification, applying the same standard across in-person, early, and mail-in voting processes. Supporters say this provision is designed to strengthen verification procedures and create a more uniform system statewide.

Clarified Early-Voting and Election-Day Timelines

HCR2001 also proposes clear deadlines for when ballots must be submitted. Early ballots would need to be cast by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day, creating a consistent statewide cutoff for early voting. The measure further states that no ballots may be cast or accepted after the official close of polls on Election Day, which the release frames as a clarification designed to eliminate uncertainty about when voting must conclude.

Maintaining Access to In-Person Voting

While the measure tightens several election processes, it also emphasizes voting access. The proposal guarantees that every voter must have the option to vote in person at a convenient polling place. This provision underscores the Act’s goal of ensuring that in-person voting remains readily available as part of Arizona’s broader election system.

Additional Mail-Ballot Verification

For Arizonans who vote by mail, the Act would add a verification step requiring voters to confirm their preferred ballot-delivery address each election year. The release describes this requirement as a measure to ensure that ballots are sent to accurate and up-to-date locations.

Kolodin’s Perspective on the Act

Representative Kolodin, who chairs the House Committee on Election Integrity and Florida-style Voting Systems, said the proposal is intended to create clearer expectations and smoother Election Day operations. “Arizonans are tired of excuses and chaos on Election Day,” Kolodin said. “The Arizona Secure Elections Act gives voters clear rules, strong identification standards, and the confidence that only citizens are taking part in our elections. These are straightforward reforms that put voters first. They ensure our elections run on time, follow the law, and earn the public’s trust. I look forward to sending it to the ballot so the people of Arizona can make it the law.”

If adopted by lawmakers and approved by voters, the Act would implement these standards for future elections statewide.