Senator Mark Finchem is the proud cosponsor of SB 1425, Sen. Wendy Rogers’ bill to fix structural problems in Arizona’s election calendar and improve how petitions and provisional ballots are handled. The bill responds to real issues in election administration by giving county recorders and voters clearer timelines and reducing confusion that can lead to valid signatures or ballots being rejected on technical grounds.
Under current statute, Arizona’s primary election is set for the first Tuesday in August in years when there is also a general or special election. SB 1425 moves that date earlier to the last Tuesday in July in those years. This gives election officials more time to verify candidate nominating signatures, process provisional ballots, and finish other administrative tasks that must be completed before a general election.
SB 1425 goes further to protect petition signers and candidates from bureaucratic confusion caused by changes in the election calendar. If petitions were circulated using a form listing the old primary date (for example, August 4, 2026), those signatures are still valid for the rescheduled primary ballot date (for example, July 28, 2026), regardless of when they were collected. The bill also prohibits election officials from rejecting nominating petitions or signatures solely because the primary date changed, and it clarifies that candidates do not have to file new or amended paperwork just because of the change in date.
The bill also tightens and simplifies key signature and ballot timelines. Signature verification for provisional ballots after a general election that includes a federal office would be completed within six calendar days instead of ten. For other elections, signature verification must be done within five calendar days rather than business days. Similarly, the county recorder must allow voters to correct signature issues up to the fifth calendar day after an election that includes a federal office, and voters with conditional provisional ballots must provide ID within five calendar days after such elections.
Finally, SB 1425 strengthens local control and partisan oversight by allowing county party chairs to designate challengers, representatives, and observers at voting centers, early voting locations, and ballot replacement centers. By giving political parties a clear role in observing key parts of the process, the bill promotes transparency, bipartisan oversight, and public confidence in election administration.
Moving the primary earlier and clarifying signature and ballot deadlines helps election officials do their jobs correctly and gives voters a fair chance to participate. A stable election calendar and clear, uniform rules protect voters, candidates, and the integrity of the process.
(AZ Family) Arizona Senate passes election bill that moves up primary date
“The Arizona Senate has approved a bill that would permanently shift the state’s primary election day earlier, sending the measure to Gov. Katie Hobbs. On Thursday, state senators passed Senate Bill 1425, aimed at strengthening Arizona’s election procedures and security measures.”
Read Article: https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/05/arizona-senate-passes-election-bill-that-moves-up-primary-date/