Arizona Legislature Bans Election Day Ballot Drop-Offs

An Arizona bill aimed at preventing public referenda on zoning changes, supported by Taser-maker Axon, has stalled in the legislature. The proposal sought to classify rezoning decisions as 'administrative' rather than 'legislative,' which would shield them from citizen challenges. Meanwhile, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican bill designed to expedite election results, which would have restricted how citizens drop off their ballots, a move criticized for potentially disenfranchising voters. The GOP plans to take the issue to the public via a new measure, HCR 2013, while Hobbs remains open to alternatives that maintain current voting access. Both sides are emphasizing the importance of timely election results versus preserving voter access and convenience. The stalled zoning bill and election legislation reflect ongoing tensions in Arizona's political landscape over voter rights and local governance.