Want to protect democracy in 2022? Update our outdated election systems now

The 2020 general election was a win for democracy: Arizonans made their voices heard amid unprecedented challenges. But it’s not too soon to protect democracy. Now is the time to improve our elections or risk outdated systems and further disenfranchisement of vulnerable voters. 

Arizonans worked together to fight against the seemingly insurmountable barriers of this election cycle, from COVID-19 to attacks on the United States Postal Service.  

Voters were heard loud and clear on Election Day. Arizona saw its highest-ever registration, historic turnout, with more than 88% of ballots cast early. Native American voters turned out in force, bringing attention to their power and influence which, for far too long, has been overlooked.  

None of this was by accident. It took flexibility and increased engagement from officials, groups and voters to make this happen.

2020 was a success, but there's more to do

When COVID-19 hit, advocacy groups quickly banded together, successfully calling for fair access to in-person voting and expanded early voting locations, in addition to increased access to mailed ballots.

Groups contacted hundreds of thousands of Arizonans to join the fight to make our election systems safer, fairer and more accessible.

Native American communities worked with groups like the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona and ASU’s Indian Legal Clinic to advocate for meaningful tribal consultation in the conduct of the elections on tribal lands.

We're proud to show Arizonans that they were not alone as they navigated this tumultuous election season.

Now, officials must take bold action to improve our election procedures and continue these successes.

So, what can officials do?

• Make it easier to register to vote and to cast a ballot.
• Strengthen our infrastructure to get results sooner.
• And ensure we are better prepared for the next emergency.

1.  Allow same-day voter registration

Arizona’s voter registration systems are outdated, and our deadlines are unnecessarily restrictive.

Our online voter registration system only allows registration with an Arizona driver's license or state-issued ID. And it limits registration for individuals with non-standard addresses, such as many Native Americans and Arizonans living in remote areas.

The system must be improved through updates such as geo-location for voters with non-traditional addresses and the ability to accept alternative IDs and virtual signatures.

Similarly, while many states saw the benefits of same-day voter registration in 2020, Arizona’s early deadline led to confusing last-minute challenges and partisan conflict. The state Legislature must allow Arizonans to register to vote through Election Day.

2.  Count votes, release results quicker

All eyes were on Arizona as we waited days for complete results. Early voting in Arizona begins nearly a month before Election Day; officials should be able to count ballots as voters begin casting them. And early voting shouldn’t end abruptly the Friday before Election Day. Voters should have that last weekend to cast their ballots, even without emergency circumstances. 

We also need to increase the resources available to election officials to staff ballot processing and tabulation, at a level that allows all ballots to be counted within five business days following the election. 

Increased early voting, earlier counting and greater counting resources will yield accurate and quicker results. The state Legislature, county boards of supervisors and local election officials should prioritize these changes. 

3.  Set election standards ahead of time

This year taught us time and time again that we must safeguard our elections against emergencies.

State officials must agree to nonpolitical, written standards that set out specific and objective criteria for modifying election procedures when emergencies hit. Creating stability and confidence in our elections is not a partisan issue. 

Arizona voters did their part to uphold democracy. Officials should waste no time doing theirs.

Alex Gulotta is Arizona state director of All Voting is Local, an advocacy group that seeks to eliminate needless and discriminatory barriers to voting. Reach him at alex@allvotingislocal.org.