Arizona Secretary of State Voter Guide
Arizona Secretary of State candidates Adrian Fontes (D, incumbent) and Alexander Kolodin (R) respond to an AZPM survey, weighing in on issues facing the state and how to solve them. Responses have not been edited.
The Questions
- If elected, what do you consider your three most immediate priorities after taking office?
- What specific actions should be taken to ensure Arizona's elections are trustworthy and secure?
- How strongly do you agree or disagree with this statement: “It’s critical that the State Secretary of State implement safeguards to prevent political considerations, favoritism and conflicts of interest when it comes to investments of taxpayer dollars.”
Responding Candidates
Adrian Fontes
Alexander Kolodin (R) has not yet responded to our survey request.
Adrian Fontes (D) IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
Continuing to ensure free and fair elections
Continuing to protect vote-by-mail and your personal data from illegal demands
Continuing to expand and improve business services
Adrian Fontes
As Secretary of State, I have delivered on key promises to Arizona voters. I have enforced Arizona’s voter ID laws, kept voter rolls up-to-date, and made key improvements like expanding ballot tracking statewide. In my second term, I promise to do the same to protect your vote. I have been a steadfast defender of vote-by-mail, a trusted system used by over 80% of Arizonans. And I have successfully protected Arizonans’ private data from illegal demands - and won in court. Additionally, I have focused on improving business services provided by the office by cutting red tape and reducing wait times for critical services, allowing Arizona’s business community to thrive.
Adrian Fontes
As Secretary of State, I have ensured Arizona's elections are trustworthy and secure and have worked to increase voter confidence. I have strengthened Arizona's election infrastructure through security investments, statewide ballot tracking, defending vote-by-mail, and protected your private data from illegal demands. Our office enforces voter ID and keeps voter rolls up-to-date. We have also strengthened cybersecurity by establishing Arizona's first dedicated Election Cybersecurity Unit and Chief Information Security Officer role, providing specialized expertise to protect election systems and voter information. Further, we updated Arizona's statewide election rules and procedures, with the 2025 Election Procedures Manual (EPM) becoming the second EPM enacted during the term - following a period of more than a decade without two EPMs being enacted during a single term. We have also focused on preparing Arizona for emerging election technology, convening an Artificial Intelligence and Election Security Advisory Committee and developing recommendations for responsibly testing AI and other emerging technologies in election administration.
Adrian Fontes
Yes
Adrian Fontes
Protecting Arizonans’ personal voter information from misuse is an important responsibility I take very seriously. Both state and federal law prohibit the release of Arizona’s un-redacted voter registration list, which contain sensitive information like social security numbers and driver's license numbers. As Arizona’s Chief Elections Officer, I am committed to complying with both state and federal law to ensure that eligible voters’ rights to register and vote are protected at all costs. Arizona voters also have important privacy rights that cannot be infringed because they choose to exercise their constitutionally protected voting rights. These legal protections exist for a reason: to defend voters' privacy and prevent misuse of their personal data.
