Voters who move to Arizona from states with excuse-required absentee voting often search for 'absentee ballot' rules and find nothing that matches. That is because Arizona does it differently.
Arizona calls it early voting, not absentee
Arizona has no-excuse early voting. You do not need to be out of town, ill, or otherwise 'absent' to get a ballot in the mail. Any registered voter can request one for a single election or join the Active Early Voting List to receive one automatically every election.
So when Arizona materials say 'early ballot,' that is the same document you would call an absentee ballot elsewhere.
How Prop 144 treats it
Prop 144 does not create separate categories. Its design principle is one standard for every ballot: whether you vote in person, return an early ballot by mail, or drop it off, the same proof-of-identity requirement applies.
Military and overseas voters
Military and overseas voters covered by the federal UOCAVA law have their own ballot delivery and return protections under federal statute. If you vote under UOCAVA, follow the Secretary of State's UOCAVA guidance at azsos.gov, which will reflect any implementing rules adopted if Prop 144 passes.
Frequently asked
Check the primary sources
This page is published by the Yes on 144 campaign. Read the measure and the official ballot materials yourself:
- HCR 2001 measure text, Arizona Legislature
- Official ballot language + publicity pamphlet
- Register, update your address, track your ballot
Read our full breakdown of what Prop 144 does.
