Arizona Secretary of State Sends 2025 Election Procedures Manual to Governor, Attorney General for Review and Approval

PHOENIX – In a key step ahead of the 2026 election cycle, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has formally submitted the 2025 Election Procedures Manual (EPM) to Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes for review and approval — a legally required milestone before the manual can take effect.

The EPM is a critical document that guides how elections are conducted across Arizona’s 15 counties. Often referred to as the "playbook" for election officials, the manual provides direction where laws may be vague, conflicting, or silent — ensuring consistency and compliance throughout the state.

“Every voter, in every corner of Arizona, should have the same fair and secure election process,” said Secretary Fontes in a statement. “The EPM makes that possible.”

A Year-Long, Bipartisan Drafting Process

Work on the 2025 edition of the manual began nearly a year ago. According to the Secretary’s Office, 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.

The manual must align with existing state and federal law, as well as court rulings. Once the draft is complete, state law requires it to be sent to the Governor and Attorney General for review and approval. The Attorney General and Governor's approval is necessary before the manual can be officially published and enforced.

Public Participation and Transparency

This year’s drafting process was marked by an unusually high level of public engagement. Arizona held one of its longest public comment periods in the past 20 years, allowing four weeks for individuals and organizations to provide input.

In total, 79 stakeholders submitted nearly 800 comments. Many of those suggestions led to improvements in the draft, while others — though thoughtfully considered — could not be adopted for a variety of reasons to include legal constraints.

“The process is designed to be transparent,” the Secretary’s Office said. “It invites public input and the court system has a role in adjudicating that.”

Legal Foundation and Election Integrity

Officials emphasized that the EPM does not create new law but instead applies current law in a consistent and accessible manner. Every section has been reviewed for legal compliance.

Among the provisions outlined in the 2025 manual:

• Voter Eligibility: Voter registration systems must comply with the court order allowing voters who are required to provide documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to complete their registration up to 7 p.m. on Election Day, ensuring this process is implemented consistently across all jurisdictions.
• Voter Protection: The manual balances free speech rights with protections against voter intimidation, prohibiting actions like filming or harassing voters at polling sites or drop boxes.
• Political Party Hand count Audits: Requires all counties to conduct political party hand count audits, correcting past inconsistencies where only half participated, in line with recent legislative changes to ensure uniform election integrity standards.

Looking Ahead

While the EPM has historically been a technical resource for election administrators, recent years have seen it become more politicized. Still, election officials maintain that the manual remains rooted in law, not ideology.

“This manual reflects bipartisan input, public transparency, and a deep commitment to the rule of law,” Secretary Fontes said. “It helps ensure that every Arizonan’s vote is counted accurately and fairly — no matter their zip code.”

With the EPM now under review by the Governor and Attorney General, its final approval is expected no later than December 31. 

Click here to view the draft EPM and public comments submitted.