Schools; cities; all mail prohibited
The prohibition on mail ballot elections is significant as it could impact access to voting, particularly for those who rely on mail-in ballots for reasons of mobility or convenience. By requiring alternative election methods, supporters of the bill argue it's a step towards greater election integrity and security. However, this may inadvertently lead to lower participation rates among certain voter demographics, especially those who are elderly or live far from polling locations.
SB1133 aims to amend existing Arizona state laws concerning the conduct of elections, specifically addressing mail ballot elections. The bill prohibits cities, towns, and school districts from conducting mail ballot elections, reinforcing the requirement that such elections must follow other designated procedures. To comply with the new regulations, any local governing bodies that have previously conducted mail ballot elections are mandated to report annually on various metrics, including voter turnout and any irregularities encountered during the elections.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB1133 include concerns regarding voter accessibility and the potential disenfranchisement of voters who prefer or depend on mail voting. Critics of the bill have expressed apprehension that it could disproportionately affect low-income communities and individuals with disabilities by limiting their voting options. Furthermore, the required reporting by local entities may pose additional administrative burdens, raising questions about the practical implications for election officials and local governments.