Ballots are out for Arizona's primary election. Here's what to know about early voting

Campaign signs are up and hostile political advertisements are on television. That means it's voting season in the desert.

Voters in Arizona's upcoming state primary will see a number of pivotal races up and down the ballot. Republicans will choose a nominee for U.S. Senate. Democrats will weigh in on a few disputed congressional primaries and several fierce contests in heavily-blue legislative districts.

Independents are eligible to participate in the election, but they must first choose whether they'd like to vote a Republican or Democratic ballot. They may also choose a nonpartisan ballot featuring only municipal races if they live in a voting jurisdiction that is holding such contests.

Election day is scheduled for July 30, but early voting starts weeks beforehand. If you plan to get a head start on casting your ballot, here's what to know.

Will I get an early ballot?

If you are a registered Democrat or Republican and you are on the Active Early Voting List, you will automatically be sent a ballot in the mail to vote in the primary election.

If you are an independent voter, you must first choose which ballot you'd like to vote. Contact your county recorder to make your selection. Maricopa County voters can select a ballot online through their voter dashboard.

Not on the list? You can still request to receive a one-time mailed ballot by contacting your county recorder.

I'm out of town. Will my ballot be forwarded?

No, your ballot will not be automatically sent to your temporary address. Arizona law does not allow official election materials, such as ballots, to be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service.

If you need a ballot forwarded, you should contact your county recorder.

How do I return my ballot?

Once you receive your ballot, you can return it by mail, drop it off at a secure ballot drop box or voting location, or vote a replacement ballot in person.

Some overseas voters have the option of receiving and returning their ballots electronically.

How do I return my ballot by mail?

If you're mailing back your ballot, you should put it in the mail no later than seven days before election day to ensure it is delivered on time. For the upcoming primary election, that date is July 23.

All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted.

Postage is prepaid and does not require a stamp.

What if I miss the deadline to mail back my ballot?

You can still vote by dropping off your ballot at a drop box or vote in person at a polling location.

How do I return my ballot via drop box?

If you receive a ballot by mail, you can return it by dropping it off at a secure drop box.

Most Arizona counties offer at least a handful of these boxes. Some are located inside polling places and are only accessible when those sites are open. Others are located outdoors and are available for voters at all times.

To find ballot drop boxes in your area, check your county recorder's website.

Is voting by mail or drop box secure?

Yes, both methods are safe and secure.

Only registered voters may request a ballot in the mail, and each voter must sign the outside of their ballot envelope. Those signatures are checked by election workers before a ballot is counted.

Penalties are steep for tampering with mail, which dissuades theft. The U.S. Postal Service began replacing some outdated boxes last year with ones more resistant to mail tampering.

Election officials say drop boxes are under constant camera surveillance. Different counties also take various additional security measures, such as installing GPS tracking devices and tamper-proof tabs on the boxes.

Bipartisan teams are tasked with picking up ballots from regional postal centers and drop boxes. They fill out forms that establish chain of custody for ballots, which remain unopened until they are signature verified and ready to be counted.

All of that ensures that your ballot stays safe and secure after you vote it.

How do I vote early in person in Arizona?

All voters can cast their ballot in person in Arizona, regardless of whether or not they were mailed a ballot. You can vote early in person or on election day.

If you are on the Active Early Voting List, election workers will void your mailed ballot and give you a replacement ballot to vote on. If you were not mailed a ballot, you will receive one when you arrive at the polling place.

Some counties assign polling places to voters based on their voting precinct. Others use a vote center model in which voters can go to any polling place in the county to cast their ballot. Check with your county election officials for details.

ID is required if you vote in person. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Your valid Arizona driver's license
• Your valid state identification card
• Your tribal enrollment card
• Other government-issued identification
• Two items such as a utility bill and a bank statement that bear your name and address

Can I track my ballot?

Yes. Maricopa County voters can track their ballot at BeBallotReady.Vote. Pima County voters can track their ballot on the county recorder’s website. Voters in other parts of Arizona can track their ballot via BallotTrax.

Still have questions?

The Arizona Secretary of State's Office provides contact information for election officials by county.

All voters can contact the Arizona Secretary of State's Office at 1-877-THE-VOTE or 602-542-8683.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Sign up for her weekly election newsletter, Republic Recount.