Assigned to ELEC AS PASSED BY COW
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1598
elections; observers; federal candidates
Purpose
Allows a candidate for federal office to designate a representative who may act as an
observer at a counting center. Stipulates, that if more than one U.S. House candidate from each
political party designates an observer at a counting center, then a lottery will determine which
candidate may send an observer.
Background
All proceedings at a counting center are under the direction of the county board of
supervisors and must be conducted in accordance with the instructions and procedure manual. The
proceedings at a counting center may be observed by representatives of each political party and
the public. The proceedings may also be observed by three additional people representing a
candidate for nonpartisan office or a political committee in support of or in opposition to a ballot
measure. A draw by lot determines which three representatives of the groups or candidates will
participate in the observation at the counting center. Parties who are interested in participating in
the observation must notify the officer in charge of elections at least 17 days before the election.
The county officer in charge of elections will draw by lot, three representatives that may observe
the proceedings at a counting center (A.R.S. § 16-621).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows, during the general election, one representative for each candidate for federal office
who is designated by the candidate to observe at a counting center.
2. Stipulates, that if more than one U.S House candidate from each political party designates an
observer at a counting center, then a lottery will determine which candidate may send an
observer.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Requires each U.S. House candidate to participate in a lottery to determine which
representatives may remain at the outlined locations. FACT SHEET – Amended
S.B. 1598
Page 2
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. The committee amendment was withdrawn.
2. Removes the authorization for each candidate for federal office to have a representative in each
polling place or early voting location and for the representative to act as a challenger.
3. Allows, during the general election, one representative for each candidate for federal office
who is designated by the candidate to observe at a counting center.
4. Stipulates, that if more than one U.S House candidate from each political party designates an
observer at a counting center, then a lottery will determine which candidate may send an
observer.
5. Reinserts the ability of a candidate for a nonpartisan office to have an observer at a counting
center.
6. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Senate Action
ELEC 2/13/23 DPA 5-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 28, 2023
AN/slp