Arizona GOP Pushes Ballot Measure to Ban Voting Centers

Republican lawmakers want voters to decide whether to prohibit in-person early voting and require precinct-based polling places.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Republican lawmakers in Arizona have approved a proposed ballot referral that would send a measure to the November 2026 ballot. The measure would prohibit the use of voting centers where anyone can cast a ballot, regardless of location, and instead require counties to use precinct-based polling places where voters could only cast ballots where they're registered. The proposal would also bar counties from offering in-person early voting, though it would not change mail-in voting.

Why it matters

Most Arizona counties, including Maricopa and Pima which have roughly 75% of the state's population, currently use voting centers. Precinct-based systems can lead to ballots not being counted if cast at the wrong polling place. Democrats argue the changes would reduce access and flexibility for voters.

The details

On a party-line vote, House Republicans approved the proposed ballot referral. The measure would limit precincts to 2,500 voters and bar counties from offering in-person early voting. Republican sponsors say the changes would help restore trust in Arizona elections, which they claim have become a "laughingstock", pointing to issues in the 2022 election. Democrats argue the proposal moves the state in the "opposite direction" of what voters want, which is "access, flexibility and elections that work."

  • The House approved the proposed ballot referral on Monday, February 27, 2026.
  • The measure would appear on the November 2026 ballot if it receives legislative approval.

The players

Rep. Rachel Keshel

The Republican representative from Tucson who sponsored the measure, claiming it would help restore trust in Arizona elections.

Rep. Teresa Martinez

The Republican representative from Casa Grande who noted that Pinal County still uses precinct voting "and we've had no problems at all."

Rep. Brian Garcia

The Democratic representative from Tempe who said "Arizonans want access, flexibility and elections that work. This moves the state in the opposite direction."

Rep. Quantá Crews

The Democratic representative from Phoenix who recalled having to rush from downtown Phoenix to Avondale in heavy traffic to vote in her precinct, saying voters should have options.

Gov. Katie Hobbs

The Democratic governor of Arizona who vetoed a similar bill last year, though the current proposal is a ballot referral that only needs legislative approval.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The proposed ballot measure will need to receive legislative approval before appearing on the November 2026 ballot, where Arizona voters will decide whether to prohibit voting centers and require precinct-based polling places.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing partisan debate over voting access in Arizona, with Republicans pushing to restrict the use of voting centers that provide more flexibility for voters, while Democrats argue the changes would reduce access and make it harder for Arizonans to cast their ballots.