ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Forty-seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1203
polling places; electioneering prohibited
Purpose
An emergency measure removing the requirement that polling places allow electioneering and other political activity.
Background
Laws 2004, Chapter 330 required that, except in the case of an emergency, polling places must allow electioneering and other political activity outside of a 75-foot limit in public areas and parking lots used by voters. No person, aside from election board workers and officially appointed representatives, may remain within a 75-foot limit of a polling place while the poll is open, except for the purpose of voting (A.R.S. § 16-515).
Electioneering is defined as working for the success of a particular candidate. Maricopa County Elections Department warns candidates and political groups that no campaign-related signs, buttons, shirts, bumper stickers, advertisements, endorsements or written materials may be distributed or kept in view within the 75-foot limit.
Maricopa County Elections Department reports that, in Maricopa County, 60 polling places were lost after Chapter 330 was enacted.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows polling places to prohibit electioneering and other political activity outside of the 75-foot limit in public areas and parking lots.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2006
JE/LB/jas