Executive Order 2023-03

Establishing the Governor’s Bipartisan Elections Task Force 

WHEREAS, while Arizona’s elections are fair, secure, and free, more can be done to strengthen and clarify the laws around Arizona’s democratic process; and 

WHEREAS, 4.1 million Arizonans were registered voters at the time of the 2022 General Election; and

WHEREAS, dedicated elections officials across Arizona rely on clear and effective laws and procedures to administer Arizona’s elections; and

WHEREAS, improving Arizona’s election laws requires collaboration among State and local election administrators, election security experts, and voting rights advocates; and

WHEREAS, a bipartisan, coordinated effort will identify effective policy solutions that enhance the accessibility and security of Arizona’s elections.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Arizona Constitution and the laws of this State, hereby order and direct as follows:

1. The Governor’s Bipartisan Elections Task Force (the “Task Force”) is created to study and make recommendations to strengthen election laws, policies, and procedures in the State of Arizona.

2. The Task Force shall be chaired by the Governor or her designee(s).

3. The Task Force shall be comprised of the following members appointed by the Governor:

• The Arizona Secretary of State or his designee

• One County Recorder nominated by the President of the Arizona State Senate

• One County Recorder nominated by the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives

• Two Election Directors nominated by the Election Officials of Arizona Association

• An election official from a city or town nominated by the League of Cities and Towns

• At least one member who is an election security expert

• At least one member with a demonstrated understanding of Tribal Nations and Arizona’s election laws and/or administration

• At least one member nominated by a non-profit organization that advocates for people with disabilities

• At least one member nominated by a voting advocacy organization

• At least one member with a background in Arizona’s campaign finance laws

• At least one member with an understanding of election equipment and technology

4. Membership shall include a diverse representation of political party affiliations and geographic presence to ensure that the Task Force considers recommendations reflective of communities across Arizona.

5. The Task Force shall prepare and submit to the Governor a final report by November 1, 2023 that identifies recommendations for improvements to Arizona’s election laws. The report should describe gaps and challenges identified in Arizona’s election laws as well as recommendations in the following areas:

1. Ensuring consistent, secure, and accessible election administration and voter registration practices across the State;

2. Improving access to the electoral process so that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate;

3. Supporting election officials, administrators, and poll workers in receiving the training, support, and security they need to conduct Arizona’s elections;

4. Updating election infrastructure, equipment, and security guidelines; and

5. Promoting transparency, public confidence, and engagement in Arizona’s electoral process.  

6. The Task Force shall be staffed by the Governor’s Office.

7. The Task Force shall terminate upon submitting the final report.

8. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon signature.