Legislative Story Example:

Senate Bill 1008 (SB1008), which modifies the prerequisites for automatic recounts in primary and general elections throughout the state, was approved by the Arizona State Legislature. The bill, which easily passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is expected to have a big impact on Arizona's election processes and vote recounts.

SB1008 was passed by the Arizona Senate with a resounding 28-2 vote, displaying resounding support from the dominant Republican Party. Following that, the bill was brought to the House of Representatives, where it was approved by a vote of 40 to 20. Governor Jane Johnson, a Republican, has yet to declare her view on the bill, therefore it is currently awaiting her signature.

Section 16-661 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which deals with automatic recounts in elections, is the main modification made by SB1008's provisions. According to the margin of votes between the top two candidates or for launched and referred legislation, the bill adjusts the threshold for ordering a recount.

When questioned about the effects of SB1008 in an email interview, election analyst David Gartner said, "This measure represents a fundamental change in how automatic recounts are triggered. It is obvious that the legislators are attempting to decrease the number of recounts by raising the standards in order to concentrate funding on the most competitive contests.”

According to the amended Section 16-661, a recount is automatically required if the margin between the two front-runners in a primary or general election, or the number of votes cast for initiatives, referred measures, or proposals to amend the Arizona Constitution, is less than or equal to the lesser of the following criteria:

·      One-half of one percent (0.5%) of the total number of votes cast for both leading candidates or on such measures or proposals.

·      Two hundred votes for an office filled by state electors with a total vote count exceeding twenty-five thousand.

·      Fifty votes for an office filled by state electors with a total vote count of twenty-five thousand or less.

·      Two hundred votes for initiated or referred measures or proposals to amend the constitution.

·      Fifty votes for a member of the legislature.

·      Ten votes for an office filled by the electors of a city or town or a county or subdivision of a city, town, or county.

The bill also specifies that Subsection A does not apply to elections for precinct committeemen, school district governing boards, community college district governing boards, fire district boards, or fire district chiefs or secretary-treasurers or boards of other special districts.

In an email interview, election expert Patty Ferguson-Bohnee said, “Arizona's adoption of Senate Bill 1008 adds to the national discussion about the changing landscape of election laws and the precarious balance between protecting voter access and transparency and ensuring election security.”

Election expert, Vernon Morris, also added, “As the state proceeds forward with the revised recount criteria, the effects and ramifications of Senate Bill 1008 will probably continue to be a topic of discussion among policymakers, election specialists, and the general public.”

By concentrating on races where the margin of victory is actually in doubt rather than requiring recounts for all races that match the previous requirements, SB1008's proponents contend that these modifications will make the recount process more effective. They are of the opinion that doing this will simplify the electoral process, conserve resources, and preserve the legitimacy of the democratic process.

Sources:

 David Gartner (David.Gartner@asu.edu)

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee (pattyfergusonbohnee@asu.edu)

Vernon Morris (Vernon.morris@asu.edu)