I am getting many questions about voting and the potential for election fraud. While I certainly don’t have all the answers, I will attempt to respond to some of the concerns.

Throughout the U.S., progressive groups opposed to our values are filing lawsuits in an attempt to use the COVID pandemic to change election laws and regulations. These groups know that changing the process enhances their chances to be victorious in November.

It is a time to be aware of what’s happening and to be sure to exercise your right to vote. Do not be intimidated by those who would prefer you don’t cast your vote.

First, let’s clarify the terms when we hear someone advocating for mail-in ballots or ballot harvesting.

All Mail Voting or Permanent Early Voting List?

When you hear people advocating for all mail voting or mail-in ballots, that means mailing a ballot to every single registered voter. Without question, mailing a ballot to every registered voter invites fraud and abuse.

That is not the Arizona system for early voting. Arizona’s system has worked well with sufficient checks and balances.

Arizona allows registered voters to sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL). The terms “early ballots” or “absentee ballots” refer to this option.

For November 3, early balloting starts October 7, meaning those voters on the PEVL are mailed a ballot on October 7. Then, when you return your ballot to your county recorder, your signature on your early ballot is verified against the signature on your original PEVL application.

Sending mail-in ballots to all voters is not secure. Participating in Arizona’s PEVL option still works.

Ballot Harvesting

Ballot harvesting allows any third party to collect other voters’ early ballots and mail them or turn them in personally. States like California allow ballot harvesting.

Arizona prohibits ballot harvesting because it invites fraud, undue influence, ballot tampering, and voter intimidation. Thanks to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, the Arizona prohibition applies to the 2020 elections.

Only a family member, person living in the same household, or a caregiver can turn in your ballot for you in Arizona.

Voting in Arizona

There are multiple ways to vote:

• Sign up for the Permanent Early Voting List, then mail in your marked and signed ballot.
• Drop off your early ballot at an early voting center.
• Vote in person at an early voting center.
• Vote on Election Day.
• Drop off your early ballot on November 3.

To learn more about early voting centers in your county, visit your county recorder’s website. That information is here.

What Not To Do

• We do not recommend walking in your early ballot on November 3. As many as 500,000 early ballots could be returned on November 3 in Arizona. Those votes will take days to count and may be more likely to be handled improperly.

What To Do

• Register to vote or update your address here.
• If you are on the PEVL, complete your ballot within the first week or two of early balloting and mail it by October 15 or at the latest by Saturday, October 24.
  • Then check to make sure your ballot was received and counted at this website.
• To remove yourself from the PEVL and vote in person on November 3, you must send a letter to your county recorder asking to be removed. Find your county recorder here
• Sign up for the PEVL to get an early ballot here.
• Serve as a poll worker. COVID-19 has led to a greater need than usual for poll workers. These citizens help to ensure a safe and legal voting process on Election Day. Learn about the requirements and sign up here.
• Other answers to voting questions are available here.

Mark Your Calendars

• October 5 – Deadline to Register to Vote or Update Your Address
• October 7 – Early Ballots mailed
• October 24 – Mail in Early Ballots
• November 1 – Pray at the State Capitol
• November 3 – General Election

ICYMI

• Hear Abby Johnson’s testimony that she shared with the nation as she spoke at the Republic National Convention.
• Hear my discussion with Pastor Jon Benzinger on the many reasons to vote NO on Prop 207
• Watch this panel discussion at Evident Life Church last weekend where we talked about the church’s role in elections.

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