Secretary Fontes Secures Key Election Funding to Protect Arizona Voters Ahead of 2026 Cycle, Additional Concerns Remain

PHOENIX – The Office of the Arizona Secretary of State today expressed its gratitude to legislative leaders for ultimately reviewing and approving the remaining election administration items funded through already-appropriated CD7 Special Election funds. The action authorizes the use of $2.49 million that would otherwise have fallen back to the general fund, ensuring critical election infrastructure and voter services remain in place ahead of the 2026 election cycle. These funds will be immediately used to address the most pressing issues identified by the office as we look to the midterm election, but unfortunately the historic underfunding of Arizona's election systems remain unaddressed. 

“These risks faced by our office are documented and solvable,” said Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s Secretary of State. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for stepping up and working with us once again to address them using funds that were already set aside for election purposes. Their action helps ensure Arizona voters can continue to rely on a secure, transparent, and well-run election system. We are a long way off from adequately funded election administration in Arizona, but this is a step in the right direction.”

The approved funding preserves several essential election operations and voter-facing services across the state. Secretary Fontes also noted that the Office of the Secretary of State has already made significant internal reductions to operate within its constrained budget, including eliminating senior positions and freezing vacancies.

“With these approvals, we can move forward with the preparation Arizona voters expect and deserve,” Fontes said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s partnership in making sure our counties, election officials, and voters have the foundational tools they need for a secure and orderly 2026 election. However, it goes without stating that the need for adequately funded election administration remains. My office’s FY2027 budget request includes the substantive funding needed to overhaul the outdated IT systems we inherited at the Department. Our voters and candidates deserve the very best, so the fight continues.”

The funding comes from previously appropriated CD7 Special Election funds designated for election-related purposes and does not require new taxpayer spending.