Monday, May 23, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sen. Ugenti-Rita’s Bill Increasing Voter Confidence in Election Results is Signed Into Law
Phoenix, Arizona – Last week, Governor Doug Ducey signed SB1008 (elections; recount margin), sponsored by Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-23). This bill strengthens Arizona’s automatic election recount law. Currently, when candidates in an election are within one-tenth of one percent of each other, the race receives an automatic recount. To improve voter confidence in election results, she increased the threshold to require an automatic recount to one-half of one percent.
We're seeing a similar situation play out right now with the Pennsylvania US Senate race, which is within a few tenths of a percent. Their state law is prompting an automatic recount. Arizona has had comparable outcomes, most recently during the 2020 election, where the President Trump/Biden race and others such as the County Recorder Fontes/Richer and Senator Brophy McGee/Marsh races would have been within the revised margin to be recounted.
This rare bipartisan vote in support of her bill on election integrity demonstrates the broad consensus that when election results are close, ensuring the accuracy of the vote count is paramount.
"My dedication to election integrity is unwavering. SB 1008 was overwhelmingly supported in the legislature. Even Democrats understand the significance of raising the automatic recount threshold, so voters are confident in the results of our elections. This is just one of several measures I have passed to protect elections in our state.” said Senator Ugenti-Rita.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus