Senate Republicans Advance Ballot Measure to Secure Elections, Ensure Timely Results, Put Citizens Back in Charge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are advancing a ballot measure to secure Arizona elections, prevent foreign influence, and establish clear deadlines intended to deliver faster, more timely election results. The proposal strengthens voter protections by ensuring only American citizens participate while creating uniform statewide standards designed to reduce delays and bring greater certainty to election outcomes. The measure passed the Senate today along party lines, with all Democrats voting no.
SCR 1001, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, proposes a constitutional amendment establishing uniform statewide election rules governing voter identification, citizenship verification, voting deadlines, and campaign contribution restrictions. If approved by voters, a constitutional amendment will end the early voting period no later than 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day to allow election officials adequate time to process ballots and report results more quickly and consistently statewide. The measure ensures that only U.S. citizens can register and vote and mandates the use of government-issued IDs to cast a ballot. Voters who wish to obtain a mail-in ballot must request one before each general election and confirm their address and intent to vote. Most importantly, it permanently bans foreign individuals and corporations from contributing to Arizona candidates or ballot measures. By setting uniform deadlines and clear statewide standards, the measure is intended to reduce delays, prevent post-election uncertainty, and help Arizonans receive election results sooner. No foreign money. No loopholes. No excuses.
"This measure sends a clear message: Arizona's elections belong to Arizona citizens," said Senator Bolick. "We will not allow foreign nationals to influence our laws, bankroll our campaigns, or dilute the voice of American voters. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should not have the ability to vote in our elections. If you want a mail-in ballot, you request it. If you cast a ballot, you show proof of ID. These are not extreme ideas; they are the bare minimum for a secure republic. Arizonans are tired of chaos, tired of confusion, and tired of watching confidence in our elections erode. Clear deadlines also mean ballots are processed on time and results are reported faster, giving voters certainty instead of prolonged uncertainty. This is not about partisanship; this is about principle. Strong voter ID laws, clear deadlines, and citizenship requirements are not radical ideas; they are common-sense safeguards. When voters approve this measure, they will send a message to the nation that Arizona stands for secure ballots, sovereign elections, and a government accountable to its people. This ballot measure will restore accountability and trust. Secure elections are the foundation of self-government, and we intend to defend them."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus