Secretary of State’s Office marks major milestone with the approval of the Elections Procedures Manual

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2014, Arizona election officials have an updated Elections Procedures Manual. This marks a major milestone for Secretary Katie Hobbs’ administration less than a year after taking office.

“It’s been more than five years since a new manual was last approved, and revising it to account for the changes that have occurred in Arizona’s election laws and processes since then was one of my top priorities,” Hobbs said.

“The 2020 election cycle could have the largest voter turnout in Arizona history, and relying on an outdated 2014 manual would have been untenable. I am pleased that the Attorney General and Governor’s Office worked in quick partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office and all fifteen counties to approve the procedures manual for the upcoming year,” Cochise County Elections Director and President of the Election Officials of Arizona Lisa Marra said. “The Secretary of State’s Office worked with local election administration at every step, including during the final negotiations, which demonstrated a commitment to collaboration.”

Arizona Elections Director Sambo “Bo” Dul spearheaded the project, which began in late January 2019 and included continuous collaboration with county election officials from start to finish, as well as a public comment period and public meetings. The office collected nearly 500 individually written comments from more than 70 people and organizations across the state during the public comment period.

“The Secretary of State’s Office developed strong partnerships with election officials while collecting their feedback,” Dul said. “We all worked together with one common goal: to spell out procedures that ensure we provide secure, accurate and accessible elections to Arizona’s voters.”

“Arizona’s county recorders worked in collaboration with the Secretary of State’s Office, and in particular with Elections Director Bo Dul, through many meetings to finalize the Elections Procedures Manual. We are thankful for the dedication and professionalism of the Secretary of State’s Office, the recorders and elections directors, and the mutual respect shown for election professionals’ input into this important manual,” Pinal County Recorder and President of the Arizona Association of County Recorders Virginia Ross said.

The Arizona Elections Procedures Manual helps ensure election practices are consistent and efficient throughout the state. A new law requires the Secretary of State to send a draft of the manual to the governor and attorney general for review by October 1 of every odd-numbered year. The Elections Procedures Manual has the force of law and went into effect upon approval by the attorney general and governor.

The approved 2019 Elections Procedures Manual, along with prior drafts and public comments, is available at www.azsos.gov. A document summarizing significant changes from the 2014 Elections Procedures Manual will also be available shortly.

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