PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizonans will get the chance to vote earlier in primaries after Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a new elections bill into law Friday.
The governor signed HB 2022, which changes the date of the 2026 primary and permanently moves Arizona primaries to the second-to-last Tuesday in July.
Previously, primaries were held on the first Tuesday in August.
In a statement posted on X, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said his office would thoroughly notify candidates and voters of the new timeline.
“My office will work diligently to ensure candidates and voters alike are made aware of the new timeline this election year,” Secretary Fontes stated. “I am grateful for the swift work of the legislature in ushering this bill’s ultimate passage. It is a solid reminder that bipartisan efforts can still benefit every Arizona voter. As the year moves along, our office will send continuous reminders to candidates to make sure deadlines are clear. I recommend that voters follow my office on social media and visit our website for important reminders this election year.”
As Arizona’s Family reported, the state Senate passed its version of the bill, SB 1425, before its mirror was advanced in the House and sent to Hobbs for the final signature.
“This was a unified Republican effort leading the way from start to finish,” said Sen. Wendy Rogers in a news release. “By working together across chambers, we delivered a commonsense election bill that protects military voters, brings clarity to our election calendar, and strengthens transparency for Arizona voters. This is how the process should work.”
The change allows election officials more time to conduct election preparations for the general election, including ensuring military and overseas voters receive their ballots in time to participate.
All qualified voters registered in Maricopa County who registered 29 days before the election are eligible to cast a ballot in the primary.
The law is being implemented in time for the 2026 election cycle.
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