Secretary of State's Office Submits Elections Procedures Manual to Governor and Attorney General for Review and Approval

PHOENIX - In a major step to prepare local and county officials ahead of the 2024 elections, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes announced the submission today of an updated Elections Procedures Manual to Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes for their review and approval. 

Secretary Fontes said: “The Arizona Elections Procedures Manual is one of the most important documents to ensure consistent and efficient election administration across our state. Reflecting its importance to safe, secure, and accurate elections in Arizona, my office made updating the Manual a top priority—holding a series of monthly meetings with local and county elected officials to suggest changes and garner feedback.”

In keeping with the good practice of the prior Administration, the Secretary of State’s office posted an initial draft of the Manual for public comment, and received over 1,530 comments from 620 groups or individuals. During a rigorous period of consultation with county and tribal officials, as well as legislators from both parties and voting rights advocates, the Secretary of State’s office carefully considered, and, where appropriate, incorporated these suggestions in its current draft.

“The result of this collaborative process is un updated Manual that is reflective of the needs of local and county election officials—many of whom are new to their jobs, and subject to unprecedented scrutiny in an atmosphere of increased threats and intimidation by those with a vested interest in sowing doubt about our elections,” Secretary Fontes said. “As this important process continues, I look forward to receiving constructive comments from the Governor and Attorney General as we work together to ensure that our hardworking election officials get the updated guidance they deserve.”

The Secretary of State’s draft submission to the Governor and Attorney General came ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline. According to state law, the Elections Procedures Manual must be approved by Dec. 31 of each odd-numbered year preceding the General Election. 

A copy of the submitted draft of the Elections Procedures Manual can be found here.