Grand Canyon Times

PHOENIX--Secretary of State Adrian Fontes today announced the start of a 15-day public comment period for the Draft 2023 Election Procedures Manual, a document updated every two years that serves as an important guide for the officials that run Arizona’s elections. As part of this process, a full draft of the manual has been posted on the Secretary of State’s website.

“As a former County Recorder, I understand how important this manual is for the dedicated Arizonans who are entrusted with one of the toughest and most important jobs in our democracy,” Secretary Fontes said. “In an atmosphere of heightened scrutiny of our elections, local and county officials need clear guidance based on law. Now that we are at the start of our public comment period, I look forward to continuing this important conversation about a document that is essential to the running of safe, secure, and accurate elections in every corner of our state.”

The beginning of the public comment period comes after a series of monthly meetings with local and county election officials to suggest changes and garner feedback. Since the manual is designed for use by the people who administer Arizona’s elections, and they are the statutorily required stakeholders, it was important that they be given the first opportunity to suggest changes.

Starting today and until Aug. 15, members of the public can use a webform on the Secretary of State’s website to submit their comments on the draft manual.

The Arizona Elections Procedures Manual helps ensure election practices are consistent and efficient throughout the state. State law requires the Secretary of State to send a draft of the manual to the governor and attorney general for review by October 1 of every odd-numbered year. Once approved, the manual has the force of law.

Original source can be found here.