HB2305

THE CONTEXT: Signature verification is the process of comparing the signature on a voter s ballot affidavit with the voter s signature in the voter registration database. Signature verification is intended to ensure that only those individuals eligible to vote have their vote counted ( Signature Verification Guide ).

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would add that the County Recorder and county officer in charge of elections must allow representatives from the two largest political parties to observe each stage of the signature verification process, outlines the circumstances in which an individual may observe and challenge a ballot, and state that challenged affidavit envelopes must be reviewed by a bi-partisan challenge review board.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give Arizonans and public officials a defined option for ballots under state law. It would add that the County Recorder and county officer in charge of elections must allow representatives from the two largest political parties to observe each stage of the signature verification process, and would also outlines the circumstances in which an individual may observe and challenge a ballot, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.