Arizona Secretary Of State's Office Announces Internal Policy Related To Election Event Wagering

PHOENIX – The Arizona Secretary of State officially announced the rollout of a new policy prohibiting all forms of event wagering or prediction market engagement involving elections or election-related events. The policy is designed to promote election integrity, fairness, and public confidence while reinforcing the organization's commitment to responsible governance.

"My top priority is to protect the integrity of our elections above all else. Implementing this policy is a proactive measure to protect both the voters in Arizona and our employees at the State Department. I know the professionals that run our elections across all 15 counties here in Arizona share my urgency in providing peace of mind to voters this election season," said Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. "This policy provides clear standards that support fair competition and accountability."

The policy takes effect immediately. Please see the full policy below: 

ARIZONA SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE INTERNAL POLICY

TITLE

Prohibiting Personal Profit from Nonpublic Information Related to Election Event Wagering

EFFECTIVE DATE
Immediately

I. Purpose
The Arizona Secretary of State's Office ("AZSOS") is committed to maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity of Arizona's elections. Due to the nature of their work, AZSOS employees often have access to nonpublic information regarding elections and election administration.

Arizona law prohibits public officers and employees from using or disclosing confidential, nonpublic information acquired through public service for personal benefit. This policy reinforces those obligations by prohibiting employees from using or disclosing nonpublic information to profit from election-related event wagering or prediction markets.

II. Policy

1. All AZSOS employees are prohibited from disclosing or using any nonpublic information obtained through their public service to personally profit from, avoid loss from, or assist another person or entity in profiting or avoiding loss through event wagering or prediction markets involving elections or election-related events. Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
2. To ensure the proper conduct of government business, all nonpublic information obtained by AZSOS employees through their public service that could reasonably be used for financial gain or the avoidance of financial loss through event wagering or prediction markets shall be treated as confidential unless otherwise authorized by law.
3. This policy supplements, and does not replace, employees' obligations under:
   1. A.R.S. §§ 38-501 through 38-511;
   2. A.R.S. § 38-504(B);
   3. applicable State Personnel System policies; and
   4. any other applicable federal or state law.
4. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to conflict with any federal or state law, regulation, or court order, nor shall it alter the statutory authority of the Secretary of State or any division of the Office.
5. If any provision of this policy is determined to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
6. This policy takes effect immediately upon approval and shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the Secretary of State.