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County recorder outlines 2026 election dates, new ID rules and ballot procedures
Summary
Panel County Recorder Dana Lewis told Florence council that the July primary moved to July 21 under HB 2022, gave key registration and early‑voting deadlines, described recent litigation over a party name change, and said new law (bill 1479) requires ID when recording deeds.
Dana Lewis, the Panel County recorder, briefed the Florence Town Council on the 2026 election calendar and recent legislative changes affecting voters and county election operations.
"Panel County is in election mode," Lewis told the council, and she walked through a schedule residents need to know: primary day is July 21 after House Bill 2022 moved the primary up by two weeks; the last day to register for the primary is June 22; early voting begins June 24; the last day to request a mail ballot is July 10; and the county’s curing deadline is July 26. Lewis asked voters to return mail ballots in time to be received by the recorder by 7:00 p.m. on election night, noting Arizona is a "received‑by" state rather than a postmark state.
Lewis also described ongoing litigation in another jurisdiction over a party name change and said Panel County participated via an amicus brief in related appeals. She flagged SB 1237, legislation intended to involve county recorders in certain statewide processes, and said bill 1479 now requires identification be requested when a deed is recorded — a step Lewis said is aimed at reducing deed‑fraud incidents.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the difference between a "received‑by" state and a postmark state; Lewis reiterated ballots must be in county possession by 7 p.m. on election night to count. She emphasized county drop boxes are under recorded surveillance and gave locations and outreach plans, including a Florence library event on May 28 and voter‑registration training opportunities.
Lewis also urged residents to consider serving as temporary election staff or special‑event board workers and said the county is working with tribal partners on outreach. She said the county began accepting early ballot requests on April 19 and is in the candidate‑challenge period for some races.
The presentation concluded with Lewis taking questions from council and noting the office’s readiness to help citizens with registration and ballot questions.
