Arizona mail ballot ID requirements: what is required today and what Prop 144 proposes

Under current Arizona law, a mail ballot is returned inside an affidavit envelope that you sign. County staff compare that signature against the registration record. If it matches, the envelope is opened and the ballot is tabulated. If it does not match, the county contacts you to 'cure' the discrepancy, and you have a limited window after election day to resolve it.

You do not present a photo ID to return a mail ballot today. That is the gap Prop 144 addresses.

Arizonans voting at a polling place already have to prove who they are, using either photo identification with name and address or a combination of non-photo documents such as a utility bill, bank statement or government-issued mailing. So Arizona is not being asked to adopt voter ID from scratch, it is being asked whether the same standard should apply to a ballot returned by mail.

Prop 144 as written applies a proof-of-identity requirement to every ballot and directs that government-issued identification be available at no cost. The slogan supporters use, 'same rules for every ballot', is a fair description of the design.

Whatever happens in November, an unexpired government-issued ID with your current address is useful. Arizona MVD issues non-driver identification cards, and you can start an application online. If you have moved recently, update your voter registration address at arizona.vote at the same time.