How to Vote in Person in Arizona, Pandemic Edition

Check with your county for specifics, but here are some general rules. 

We have extensively covered the reasons why mail-in voting in Arizona is safe and secure. About 80% of voters in the state cast their ballots this way.

But if that’s not an option for you or you just want to vote in person, here’s what you need to know to make sure your ballot counts. 

Where to Go

While Arizona counties normally assign voters specific polling places based on their address, many counties are loosening those restrictions due to the pandemic this year. 

Make sure to check with your county and see how they are handling in-person voting. 

The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office provides a way to search for your closest polling location by address. 

You can also look at your county recorder’s office website for a full list of locations if you are not assigned one and would like to see all of your options. 

Some counties also provide wait times for each polling location, so you can choose yours based on which line is the shortest. 

In-person early voting began in Arizona on Oct. 7 and extends through Oct. 30. Some counties will offer in-person voting Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

On Nov. 3, Election Day, all voting locations will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What to Bring

To vote in person in Arizona, you must bring one photo ID with your most current address or, if you don’t have a photo ID, two forms of documentation showing your name and current address. 

If your address on your identification does not match your current address, you have to bring additional documentation to prove you live there. For example, if you bring your valid Arizona driver’s license but it has an old address on it, you would have to bring something like a utility bill with your current address as well. 

Here are the different types of ID you can bring to meet the requirements: 

List 1 (one required)

• Valid Arizona driver license
• Valid Arizona non-operating identification card
• Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification (with photo)
• Valid United States federal, state, or local government-issued identification

List 2 (two required)

• Utility bill of the elector that is dated within 90 days of the date of the election
• Bank or credit union statement dated within 90 days of the date of the election
• Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration
• Indian census card
• Property tax statement of the elector’s residence
• Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification (without photo) 
• Arizona vehicle insurance card
• Recorder’s Certificate
• Valid United States federal, state, or local government-issued identification, including a voter registration card issued by the County Recorder
• Any mailing to the elector marked “Official Election Material”

List 3—Mix and Match from Lists 1 and 2 (Two Required)

• Any valid photo identification from List 1 in which the address does not reasonably match the precinct register accompanied by a non-photo identification from List 2 in which the address does reasonably match the precinct register
• U.S. Passport without address and one valid item from List 2
• U.S. Military identification without address and one valid item from List 2

If you don’t the right kind of ID, you will be asked to fill out a provisional ballot. This ballot is put to the side instead of being put in a tabulating machine. You have up until five days after the election to bring the correct ID to county officials and have your vote counted.

You will also be asked to fill out a provisional ballot if you don not show up in the system as a registered voter. Check your status here and make any needed updates.

Due to the pandemic, it’s also recommended that you wear a mask and bring your own pen if needed to vote, although polling locations are likely to have both on hand. 

What to Know

Although you are allowed to use your phone in polling places in Arizona, it’s still a good idea to do your research beforehand to avoid feeling rushed. Some good sources include the Arizona Clean Elections Commission voter education pamphlet and iSideWith, a quiz to help you understand your political views. 

Arizonans are allowed to take photos of their absentee ballots but no photos are allowed inside polling places.

If you encounter any problems while voting, there are hotlines available to record complaints. Call 602-274-6287 to reach the Arizona Center for Disability Law with accessibility issues. Election Protection Arizona offers a Native vote hotline at 888-777-3831 and a general hotline for other voting issues at 866-OUR-VOTE.