Arizona Republicans Introduce Bill to Prohibit Drop Boxes and Drive-Thru Voting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Arizona Republicans have introduced Senate Bill 1058, which will prohibit drive-thru voting and drop boxes in the state. The bill, pre-filed by State Sen. Wendy Rogers (R) on Dec. 28, includes narrow exceptions to the wide-sweeping prohibition. To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, drive-thru voting will only be permitted for voters with disabilities. “Not only is it impractical to ask voters to disclose their disability status, it is reprehensible and unacceptable to do so,” said Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Pima County recorder. “Drive-up voting provides all voters the same opportunity for access and participation while offering privacy and independence.”

According to the bill, the only exception where drop boxes are permissible is when located inside a polling place, voting center or local elections office with an election worker present. In contrast, the purpose of drop boxes is to provide a secure, convenient option for returning ballots outside of business hours or in areas where voters cannot access traditional polling places. Despite the popularity of drop boxes, S.B. 1058 is part of a larger trend of Republican legislators targeting drop boxes, and often using debunked claims of voter fraud and security as a rationale.