Arizona’s election calendar is getting a permanent adjustment. Governor Katie Hobbs has signed House Bill 2022, a bipartisan measure that officially moves the state’s primary elections to the second-to-last Tuesday in July. The change, which begins with the 2026 election cycle, sets this year’s primary date for July 21.
Previously held on the first Tuesday in August, the earlier primary schedule aims to give local election officials additional time to process ballots and prepare for November’s general election. The Maricopa County Elections Departmentnoted that the adjustment will help ensure military and overseas voters receive their ballots on time — a frequent challenge in past cycles.
Under the new timeline, Arizona’s voter registration deadline will now fall on June 22. Early in-person voting and the mailing of ballots to voters on the Active Early Voting List will begin on June 24, while the final day to request a ballot by mail will be July 10.
The new law also alters candidate filing deadlines. Those seeking partisan nominations must submit their paperwork between February 21 and March 23, while write-in candidates must file by May 22. The deadline for precinct committeemen write-ins is set for April 6.
State election officials have pledged to keep both voters and candidates informed of the updated schedule through outreach and online reminders. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said his office will continue posting updates on social media and the state’s official election website to ensure every voter is aware of the new deadlines.
The legislation drew bipartisan support, with lawmakers from both parties describing it as a practical improvement to Arizona’s election process — one intended to increase efficiency, transparency, and voter access ahead of a busy 2026 election year.
