Silverman v. Ariz. Dept. of Econ. Sec., CV-23-0181-PR, 6/3/24.

 

     Investigative journalists can engage in “bona fide research” under A.R.S. § 46-460(D)(8), an exception to the general rule that certain records pertaining to abuse, exploitation, or neglect of vulnerable adults must be shielded from public inspection.  Adult Protective Services (APS) operates a program within the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES).  Although Arizona law provides a general right to inspect public records, APS records are presumptively restricted from release.  A statutory exception to that presumption provides that ADES employees may release records to “any person who is engaged in bona fide research,” if other criteria are met.  Because the exception applies to “any person,” without limitation, investigative journalists may qualify for the exception.  

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Voting In The Upcoming General Election in Arizona

 

Dates You Need to Know

October 7 – Voter Registration Deadline

October 9 – Early Voting Begins

October 25 – Last Day to Request a Ballot by Mail

October 29 – Mail Back Your Ballot By

November 1 – Last Day to Vote Early In-Person

November 5 – Election Day

When is the Deadline to Register to Vote in the General Election?

          The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming general election is October 7, 2024.  To register to vote, one must be a United States citizen, an Arizona resident in the county listed on your registration twenty-nine days prior to the election, eighteen years of age or older, and able to write your name or make your mark unless prevented by a disability.  You are unable to register if you have been adjudicated an incapacitated person or have been convicted of a treason or felony (unless you have had your civil rights restored).  For a first-time felony conviction, civil rights are automatically restored upon completion of a person’s sentence and payment of any fines and restitution.    

Registering to Vote Online

          Have your valid Arizona driver’s license or identification card available.  Go to Service Arizona and complete the instructions.  Click on “Voter Registration” and follow the instructions. 

Registering to Vote With a Paper Form

          Download a paper form at AZ Clean Elections or pick one up from your County Recorder’s office or public assistance agencies.  Fill out the form according to the instructions.  Mail your completed registration form to the county recorder or drop it off in person.  You’ll receive a registration card in the mail from the County Recorder.  Check the card to be certain all the information is correct. 

Active Early Voting List

          Sign up for the Active Early Voting List and you’ll automatically receive a ballot by mail for every election in which you are eligible to vote.

How to Check to See if You are Registered to Vote

          To check if you are registered to vote, visit the following link:

          AZ Clean Elections Verify My Voter Registration

 I Don’t Have a Permanent Home – Can I still Vote?

          Yes, as long as you are qualified and your address is one of the following:  a homeless shelter, a temporary place for living (halfway house, transitional housing, etc.), the county courthouse, or a general delivery address. 

Early Voting

          Voters that are on the Active Early Voting List, reside in a ballot by mail jurisdiction, or have requested a one-time early ballot will receive their ballot in the mail shortly after the start of early voting.  You can also vote in person at designated early voting locations. 

Election Day Voting

          If your county uses polling places, voters must go to their assigned polling place for their address.  If your county uses vote centers, you may go to any vote center within your county.  Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and identification is required to vote at the polls. 

When Do I Need to Update My Registration?

          You are required to update your registration to vote anytime you move away from your permanent or temporary address, change your name, or change your party.  If you didn’t update your registration prior to an election, you can still vote a provisional ballot, which can then be used to update your registration as long as you reside in the same county. 

How to Vote by Mail

          There are two ways to vote by mail.  You can either request a one-time ballot for a single election, or you can sign up for the Active Early Voting List for all future elections.  You may cancel at any time.          

          Mail back your ballot at least seven days before Election Day.  You can also return your ballot to the county recorder/elections office, a designated ballot return box, or any voting location in your county.  All ballots must be received by the county by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. 

How Is My Identification Verified?

          Your signature is used to verify your identity.  You must sign the ballot affidavit envelope to make sure your vote is counted.  Professionally trained election staff verify the envelope signature matches your voter registration record.  Every voter’s identity must be confirmed before their ballot can be counted.   

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