A listener asked through KJZZ's Q&AZ project whether he could vote in person if he had already registered to vote by mail.
Friday marked Arizona’s deadline to request a ballot by mail for the Nov. 3 election, and Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said more than 3 million Arizonans are already on the state's Permanent Early Voting List to automatically receive mailed ballots for elections.
Despite that, Secretary of State spokesperson Sophia Solis said a voter changing their mind to vote in person instead is not a problem. People registered to vote by mail who show up at the polls will use a regular ballot provided they have not voted. The county checks on site before issuing ballot to in person voter.
Hobb's office recommends mailing back ballots as soon as possible and no later than Tuesday, Oct. 27, to ensure election officials receive the voted ballots back by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. Early voting began Oct. 7, and remains an option as well.
“There are in-person early voting sites across the state. The number of locations and hours of operation vary by county, so make sure to find a place that works for you,” Hobbs said in a news release. “We are encouraging people to make a plan, and to vote early, to help maintain a safe and secure election.”
The early voting period runs until Friday, Oct. 30, and, after that, emergency voting options are available in some counties. Due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends early voting and voting by mail when possible. If voting in-person, voters should remember to wear a mask, bring a pen, follow social distancing guidelines, and wash or sanitize their hands before and after voting.
Information about what election officials are doing to help protect voters and poll workers in the state, along with the 2020 AZ Vote Safe Guide is available at Arizona.Vote.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct information about the type of ballot issued to voters at the polls.
More Stories From KJZZ