Legislation approved unanimously by the Arizona House of Representatives and signed into law last week will move Arizona's 2026 primary election earlier in the summer.

Under the new law, the primary election will shift from the first Tuesday in August to the second-to-last Tuesday in July, changing the 2026 primary date from August 4 to July 21, 2026. The adjustment is intended to ensure that counties can meet federally mandated deadlines for sending general election ballots to military and overseas voters.

The bill received unanimous approval in the House on Monday and was signed by Katie Hobbs on Friday.

Election officials across the state have raised concerns in recent years that the August primary date left insufficient time to prepare and distribute ballots in compliance with federal requirements, particularly those affecting voters serving in the military or living overseas.

Dana Lewis, Pinal County Recorder and First Vice President of the Arizona Association of Counties, praised the bipartisan effort behind the change.

"I'm very pleased that we have got this bipartisan effort across the line," Lewis said. "I want to thank the Arizona Legislature for working with County Recorders in Arizona on this common sense solution that puts voters first."

State and county election officials say the earlier primary date will provide additional time for ballot preparation, certification, and mailing ahead of the November general election, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring compliance with federal law.

The new primary schedule will take effect beginning with the 2026 election cycle.