Arizona leaders sign off on elections rulebook, but GOP lawmakers have threatened to sue

Arizona’s state leaders have officially given their approval to the next election’s rulebook, but it could still face lawsuits from Republicans.

The secretary of state is required to put out a new Election Procedures Manual every election cycle, and it requires signoff from the governor and attorney general.

Right now, all three of those offices are filled by Democrats.

“The drafting process involved a detailed, line-by-line review with county election officials from across the political spectrum — Republicans and Democrats, from both large urban centers and rural counties,” Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said in a statement. “… Voters can remain confident that this manual reflects bipartisan input, public transparency, and a deep commitment to the rule of law. With the policies approved here, we have successfully laid the foundation for 2026.”

Republican state lawmakers have already threatened to sue over several provisions. One of their main concerns is non-citizens voting.

Fontes’ manual requires election workers to flag voters who need to provide proof of citizenship and request they comply within a certain time frame. But Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) and House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear) argue those voters should be rejected outright and investigated by law enforcement.

The 2023 manual was the subject of several GOP lawsuits, the last of which was only settled this month.

Petersen and Montenegro did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

There are also still some ongoing lawsuits over this year’s draft EPM, but Fontes’ spokesperson Calli Jones said that doesn’t prevent the manual from going into effect.

One thing in the EPM that still needs to be determined is how to refer to the Arizona Independent Party, which is the new name for the No Labels Party. The name change is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, so the EPM has held off on adding instructions about the new name.

“A political party selection of ‘independent’ should be interpreted to mean not registered with a recognized political party and must be designated as ‘IND’ on the general election ballot,” the manual clarifies.

In a statement, Gov. Katie Hobbs said: “Arizona’s elections are free, fair and secure, and this Elections Procedures Manual will help keep them that way. I’m glad to approve this manual, which provides clear and consistent procedures for elections officials and enables them to do their jobs without partisan political interference.”