How are votes counted and certified in Arizona?

Before every election Arizona counties must run a logic-and-accuracy test of the automatic tabulating equipment using a preaudited group of ballots. The test must be open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, the press and the public, with public notice given at least 48 hours in advance and the test observed by at least two election inspectors not of the same political party.

Arizona conducts a limited hand-count audit after elections. The hand count must begin within 24 hours after the polls close on election day and be completed before the county canvass, and if results fall within the designated margin, three votes or one percent (whichever is greater), the electronic tabulation stands as official.

The county board of supervisors receives the results from the county recorder, canvasses them and sends them to the Secretary of State. County boards must canvass the returns no later than the third Thursday after the election, November 19, 2026.

The Secretary of State receives the county results, canvasses the statewide results and certifies them, with the Governor, the Attorney General and the Chief Justice as witnesses. The statewide canvass must be done by the third Monday after the election, November 23, 2026, with certifications issued promptly thereafter. In the event of a recount, certificates are issued at the recount's completion.

An automatic recount is required when canvass results show that the difference in total votes cast for the top two candidates or between the votes cast on an initiative or referendum measure is less than or equal to one-half of one percent of the votes cast for both such candidates or on such measures or proposals.

The superior court to which the facts requiring a recount are certified must promptly enter an order requiring the recount and supervises the process.

A contest must be filed within five days after the canvass and certification of the results are complete.