How to Vote in Arizona: Your Arizona Voter Registration Guide

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Whether you’re a first-time voter or just need a refresher, understanding how to vote in Arizona is simpler than you might think. This guide walks you through everything from completing your Arizona voter registration to dropping your ballot in the box on Election Day.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you register, make sure you meet Arizona’s basic requirements. You must be 18 years or older on or before Election Day. You also need to be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Arizona.

Arizona requires voters to submit both a Proof of Residence and a Proof of Citizenship document to vote in local and state-level races. Otherwise, voters receive a ballot to vote for federal offices only, so gather those documents early.

Step 2: Complete Your Arizona Voter Registration

You can register online, in person at the county recorder’s office, or by mail.

Here’s how to do each:

• Online: If you have an Arizona Driver’s License or an Arizona non-operating I.D. card issued by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), you may register to vote through AZMVDNow EZ Voter Registration. 
• By Mail: Download the State Registration Form from the Arizona Secretary of State’s website, fill it out, and mail it to your County Recorder’s office.
• In Person: Voter registration forms are available at most libraries, motor vehicle division (MVD) offices, city clerk offices, and public assistance agencies. 

Don’t wait too long! To be eligible to vote in an election, you must register at least 29 days before the election. Arizona does not offer same-day voter registration, so plan ahead.

Step 3: Choose How You Want to Vote

Arizona gives you several convenient options.

Vote by Mail (Absentee)

All voters are eligible to vote absentee/by-mail in Arizona. There are no special eligibility requirements. 

Even better, you can sign up for the Active Early Voter List (AEVL), so you automatically receive a ballot before every election. To get on the AEVL, complete a new voter registration form and check the box marked “YES, I want to automatically receive an early ballot for each election for which I am eligible.” 

Good news on postage: you do not need postage if you mail your ballot back in Arizona. All early ballots come with a postage-paid return envelope.  Just remember to sign and date the return envelope.

Vote Early In Person

You can vote early in Arizona beginning 27 days before the election. The last day to vote early is the Friday before Election Day, and no excuse is required. 

Vote In Person on Election Day

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. 

Step 4: Bring the Right ID

Arizona law requires you to show identification when voting in person, whether on Election Day, during early voting, at an emergency vote center, or through a special election board. 

You have a few options:

One photo ID that includes your name and address works on its own. Acceptable options include:

• A valid Arizona driver’s license
• A valid Arizona non-operating identification card
• A tribal enrollment card or other tribal ID
• A valid U.S. federal, state, or local government-issued ID

No photo ID? You can use two forms of non-photo identification, such as a utility bill dated within 90 days, a bank statement, a valid Arizona vehicle registration, or a property tax statement.

If you don’t have acceptable ID when you go to vote, you can still cast a conditional provisional ballot, but you must bring acceptable ID to your County Recorder’s Office by 5 p.m. on the 5th business day after a general election with federal races.

Final Tips

• Verify your Arizona voter registration status anytime at arizona.vote
• If you move, update your registration right away so you vote in the correct district
• Independent voters can cast a ballot for one of the officially recognized political parties in state primary elections, but this does not apply to the Presidential Preference Election.

Getting your Arizona voter registration squared away is the most important first step. Once you’re registered, the rest is easy. Make your voice heard!