Do I have to show ID to drop off my early ballot at a Maricopa County vote center? No.
The rumor is False
“You have to show ID to drop off your early ballot at a Maricopa County vote center.”
The fact
Showing ID is optional when you drop off an early ballot at a Maricopa County vote center.
Under a 2026 Arizona law, voters may show ID to have the ballot verified on site and counted sooner; without ID, it goes through the normal signature check and still counts. The ACLU of Arizona says workers at a downtown Phoenix vote center told voters on Oct. 24 that ID was required, and Recorder Justin Heap says workers reported no one was required to show ID and voters were told both options. Voting in person at the polls is different: Arizona does require ID for that.
What to do
Drop off your early ballot at any Maricopa County vote center by 7 p.m. on Election Day, with or without ID. It is too late to mail it. If a worker insists on ID for a drop-off, ask for the site inspector or call Maricopa County Elections.
How this story developed
- Recorder Justin Heap says workers reported no one was required to show ID. Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee says workers are trained to explain every option and the board will make sure they do.
- The ACLU of Arizona writes to the Recorder and Board of Supervisors, saying workers at a downtown Phoenix vote center told voters on Oct. 24 that ID was required to drop off early ballots.
- Maricopa County announces voters may show ID when dropping off an early ballot at a vote center to have it verified on site. ID is optional.