Gov. Hobbs Vetoes Ballot Counting Bill

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2703, a Republican-backed measure aimed at accelerating election result reporting by moving the deadline for mail-in ballot drop-offs to the Friday before Election Day. Hobbs cited concerns that the bill would limit voting accessibility and effectively dismantle the Active Early Voting List, potentially disenfranchising voters who rely on voting by mail. Republicans, including Senate President Warren Petersen, argued that the bill would bring Arizona in line with states like Florida that report results more quickly. Hobbs, however, emphasized the importance of maintaining voter access over speed, suggesting that alternative reforms like same-day voter registration were rejected during negotiations. Despite the veto, Republicans consider advancing a similar proposal directly to voters in the 2026 midterm ballot. Hobbs' veto highlights ongoing tensions between prioritizing efficient election results and maintaining broad voter accessibility.