Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and legislative leaders have introduced the “Voters First Act,” a comprehensive election reform proposal intended to modernize, standardize and strengthen the state’s voting system. The legislation aims to expand access to voting while improving the cybersecurity and infrastructure that underpins elections across all 15 Arizona counties. Fontes described the bill as a “research-based, common-sense” effort to ensure that elections are both accessible and secure during what he called “uncertain times.”

Key elements of the proposal include restoring the permanent early vote list, extending the early voting period, using vote centers statewide, and allowing ballots to be continually collected and processed on Election Day. The bill also seeks to codify the 75-foot voter protection zone around ballot drop boxes and polling places and would authorize accepting private grants and additional state funds for voter education, election communications, and equipment for voting centers. Funding provisions would also support participation in multistate registration databases and bolster county and state cybersecurity programs.

Supporters argue the reforms will reduce lines, improve transparency, and strengthen voter confidence in results, though securing broad bipartisan support remains a challenge in Arizona’s politically divided legislature.