Entry #2

 Introduction

    Elections in Arizona have become a controvesial issue in recent years. The elections process in Arizona over the past few decades has evolved; however, it has became more secure and more convenient overall. In the past three decades, Arizona has seen a signaficant rise in the number of active registered voters, early voters, and more competitive races with higher turnout.

The Rise of Early Voting in Arizona

                                                          Bipartisan Team process early ballots in Maricopa County


Prior to the 1992 election, almost every voter in Arizona voted in person on election day, but then in 1991, Arizona passed SB1230, which allows any voter to vote early in person or receive a early ballot in the mail. In 2007, early voting was expanded even further after HB2106 was passed, allowing any voter to be placed a mailing list to recive a ballot in the mail. In the 2024 general election, 87.6% of Voters in Maricopa County voted early. Some have questioned the security of voting early in particularly voting by mail, but the reality is voter fraud is extremely rare. Every early ballot envelope has a barcode on it, which is tied to a voter's registration profile and prevents someone from voting more than once. The barcode on the early voting affadivt enevolpe also allows you to track your ballot. Every early ballot also must have a signature that is verified against the voters registration record. These security features, such as allowing a voter to track their ballot, have contributed greatly to early votings popularity in recent years. Many voters also appreciate the convenience of voting early in Arizona, especially by mail right from their home, and not having to worry about going into a crowded voting location on election day.

The More Voters in Arizona and More Competitive Races

                                      A Chart made by me with data from Arizona Secrtary of State.

On January 1st, 2005, Arizona had 2,706,223 active registered voters; twenty years later, Arizona has 4,462,819 active registered voters, which is a significant increase. Over the past 20 years, Arizona's population has grown by a considerable 30%, but the voter registration totals have grown by a much faster rate of 65%. The diverse voting population has contributed to Arizona going from being a pretty red state twenty years ago, to now being one of the competitive states in the country, with close elections for federal, state, and local elections. The rise of early voting, the more competitive elections, and a growing electorate continue to shape Arizona's political future and will for decades to come.

Works Cited

2024 General Election Canvas, Maricopa County Elections, 21 Nov. 2024, 

Kamarck, Elaine. How Widespread Is Election Fraud in the United States? Not Very, Brookings, 28 October 2024

Konopnicki, William. “Bill History HB2106.” Bill Status Inquiry, Arizona Legislature, 10 Jan. 2007

Quick Facts Arizona, US CENSUS BUREAU, 1 July 2024, 

Rios, Pete. “Bill History SB1320.” Bill Status Inquiry, Arizona Legislature, 12 Feb. 1991

STATE OF ARIZONA REGISTRATION REPORT, Arizona Secretary of States Office, 27 Jan. 2005

STATE OF ARIZONA REGISTRATION REPORT, Arizona Secretary of States Office, 1 Jan. 2025, 



 

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