Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Arizona)

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

• Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
• Initial stay-at-home orders
• Executive orders
• Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
• Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
• Court closures
• The release of inmates
• Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies

Additionally, the article includes:

• Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
• Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
• The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
• Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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Documenting_STATE%27s_path_to_recovery_from_the_coronavirus_(COVID-19)_pandemic,_2020-2021

Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19

General election changes

Arizona modified its voter registration procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

• Voter registration: Voters had until 5:00 p.m. on October 15, 2020, to register to vote.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Primary election changes

Arizona made no changes to its August 4, 2020, primary election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.

• Arizona election changes (click to expand)

  October 13, 2020: Ninth Circuit reverses lower court's extension of voter registration deadline

  On October 13, 2020, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed a lower court's order that had extended the state's voter registration deadline. The court set October 15, 2020, as the new registration deadline.

  On October 5, 2020, Arizona's original registration deadline, Judge Steven Logan, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, ordered that Arizona's voter registration deadline be extended to 5 p.m. on October 23, 2020. Logan sided with the plaintiffs (including two nonprofits, Mi Familia Vota and the Arizona Coalition for Change), who had argued that the October 5, 2020, deadline violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Secretary of State Katie Hobbs (D) appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit.

  The Ninth Circuit panel – Judges William Fletcher, Marsha Berzon, and Jay Bybee – ruled unanimously that the district court had erred in extending the deadline. The court said, "[The] statutory deadline does not impose a 'severe burden' on Plaintiff-Appellees' asserted rights and does not trigger strict scrutiny. … While the [Covid-19] restrictions made it more difficult for Plaintiff-Appellees to help voters to register, it was quite possible for them to do so." The court majority ordered that registrations completed between October 5, 2020, and October 15, 2020, be accepted. Bybee dissented on this point, arguing that voters who registered after the original deadline should not be allowed to vote in the 2020 general election.

  October 6, 2020: Ninth Circuit reverses lower court's extension of period during which voters can add missing signatures to vote-by-mail ballots

  On October 6, 2020, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed a lower court's order that would have allowed voters up to five days to provide missing signatures for absentee/mail-in ballots. The plaintiffs had argued that Arizona's Election Day deadline for curing unsigned absentee/mail-in ballot envelopes violated the Fourteenth Amendment by "unjustifiably burdening the right to vote" and "denying procedural due process." In a September 10, 2020 ruling, a federal district court judge sided with the plaintiffs, ordering the state to give voters up to five days to provide missing signatures.

  The Ninth Circuit panel, comprising Judges Diarmuid O'Scannlain, Johnnie Rawlinson, and Morgan Christen, rejected the plaintiffs' arguments and reversed the district court order: "All ballots must have some deadline, and it is reasonable that Arizona has chosen to make that deadline Election Day itself so as to promote its unquestioned interest in administering an orderly election and to facilitate its already burdensome job of collecting, verifying, and counting all of the votes in timely fashion. Indeed, though the parties dispute the magnitude of the additional burden, there can be no doubt (and the record contains evidence to show) that allowing a five-day grace period beyond Election Day to supply missing signatures would indeed increase the administrative burdens on the State to some extent."

  October 5, 2020: Federal judge extends voter registration deadline to October 23, 2020

  On October 5, 2020, Judge Steven Logan, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, ordered that Arizona's voter registration deadline be extended to 5 p.m. on October 23, 2020. The original deadline was October 5, 2020. The full text of Logan's order can be accessed here.

  September 10, 2020: Judge orders extension of period during which voters can add missing signatures to vote-by-mail ballots

  On September 10, 2020, Judge Douglas Rayes, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, ordered election officials to give voters until 5:00 p.m. on the fifth business day after an election to sign their vote-by-mail ballot envelopes if they failed to sign at the time they submitted the ballots. The full text of the order can be accessed here.

  March 13, 2020: State judge bars Maricopa County Recorder from sending ballots to all voters for presidential preference primary election

  On March 13, 2020, a state judge issued an order barring Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes (D) from mailing ballots to all voters for the presidential preference primary election, scheduled for March 17, 2020. Mark Brnovich (R), Arizona's attorney general, filed suit for the emergency order, saying, "The Maricopa County Recorder cannot unilaterally rewrite state election laws. Fontes is creating chaos in our elections during an already difficult time. In times of crisis, the public looks to our elected officials to follow the law – not make reactionary decisions for political gain." The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs (D) also challenged the legality of Fontes' decision. Upon announcing his intent to send ballots to all voters, Fontes said, "There is no explicit authority in law for this and there’s also no prohibition in law. We’re doing this to support the Board of Supervisors to make sure that every eligible voter can safely fill out a ballot, put it in the envelope and maintain appropriate social distance by just popping in and dropping it off at any of the polling locations that will be open on Tuesday."

Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4

See also: States with lockdown and stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

On March 30, Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued Executive Order 2020-18, which directed individuals in Arizona to stay home except for essential activities and closed nonessential businesses in the state. The stay-at-home order took effect March 31 and was set to expire on April 30. On April 29, Ducey announced that he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through May 15. The order was not extended beyond May 15.

Executive Order 2020-18 refers to Executive Order 2020-12 for a list of essential businesses. Executive Order 2020-12 is embedded below.

Executive orders, March 30 through June 29

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Court closures, March 17 through November 4

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• May 21, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through June 15. The court also issued Health Screening Protocols for both judicial and court staff and the public. Protocols included daily wellness checks for staff and asking the public to self-screen. The court also ordered presiding judges of the superior court to provide public access to civil and criminal court proceedings via video or phone starting July 1.
• May 8, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court ordered courts to begin transitioning to in-person proceedings, beginning June 1. They also issued “Standards for Resumption of On-site Court Operations During a Public Health Emergency,” which outlined a five-phased approach to reopening. Under the order, the court allowed local judges to determine how in-person proceedings should be phased in and conducted in their respective counties.
• May 1, 2020: Arizona's COVID-19 Continuity of Court Operations During a Public Health Emergency Workgroup released a memo outlining recommendations for best practices to reopening or restarting court operations, such as maintaining health conditions when court operations resume and local transition planning and management.
• April 6, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court extended the suspension in-person proceedings and jury trials through May 1.
• March 18, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court updated their original order from March 16, 2020, to include that all in-person proceedings in all Arizona courts be avoided to the greatest extent possible until further notice. The court also ordered that new petit juries scheduled between March 18 through April 17 not be empaneled and instead rescheduled.
• March 16, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court ordered that, while the courts remain open to the public, all in-person proceedings in Arizona courts would be suspended indefinitely and grand juries scheduled for March 16 through March 31 would be rescheduled.

Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The Arizona State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 23, 2020, through May 19, 2020, at which time the House reconvened. The suspension had originally been scheduled to last through April 13, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 26, 2020.

Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Arizona. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• October 31, 2020: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) allowed his moratorium on residential evictions to expire.
• July 16, 2020: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) extended a moratorium on residential evictions through October 31, 2020. The moratorium had been scheduled to expire July 22, 2020.
• March 24, 2020: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an executive order delaying evictions for people impacted by coronavirus for up to 120 days through July 22, 2020. Tenants had to provide documentation and were responsible for rent payments owed. The Arizona Supreme Court authorized courts to suspend mandatory timelines on eviction hearings.

Local

• March 18, 2020: Constables in Pima County suspended evictions until updated by county health department and the Arizona Supreme Court.
• March 17, 2020: Maricopa County Courts announced that eviction hearings would be delayed to early April. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced that evictions for financial reasons would be suspended for tenants living in city housing.

Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• Between March 30 and July 1, Arizona did not make an announcement concerning the release of incarcerated individuals due to coronavirus on a state level. Two counties, Coconino and Pima, released incarcerated individuals due to coronavirus on the local level.

Debate in Arizona over responses to the coronavirus

See also: Debate in Arizona over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Arizona in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

• Debate over the stay-at-home order
• Debate over school closures
• Debate over religious service restrictions
• Debate over election policy

Status of industries, May 15 through July 31

Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.

• "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
• Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
• A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.

Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures

Arizona released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on May 15, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on May 18. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery

See also: Documenting America's Path to Recovery: May 18, 2020

On May 12, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that the state's stay-at-home order would expire on May 15 and detailed the next steps in the state's reopening in a presentation titled "Arizona Together." Ducey said the state had met White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gating criteria to move to the next phase of reopening:

• a downward trajectory of influenza- and COVID-like illnesses over 14 days
• a downward trajectory of positive COVID tests as a percentage of total tests over 14 days
• treating all patients without crisis care
• robust testing in place for at-risk healthcare workers

Arizona resumed elective surgeries on May 1 followed by curbside retail on May 4. In-person retail, barbershops, and cosmetologists could reopen on May 8. Dine-in restaurant services could resume on May 11. Gyms, pools, and spas could reopen May 13. All businesses must reopen under certain safety guidelines. Ducey issued a new executive order, effective May 16, stating that any business physically operating in the state and serving the public must "develop, establish and implement policies based on guidance from the CDC, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ADHS to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19." The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) had released specific guidance for 10 types of establishments as of May 18. Following that order, KTAR reported, "Ducey’s office confirmed … that most businesses deemed nonessential under the state’s stay-at-home order" would be allowed to open May 16, including movie theaters and tattoo parlors, and that "[s]ome closures will remain in place for businesses and events where large groups gather. That means bars will have to wait, as will concerts, festivals and sporting events with fans." The order also advises vulnerable individuals (including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) to continue limiting time away from home and members of households with vulnerable individuals to take precautions to protect them. It also advises all individuals to maximize physical distancing in public areas and to avoid settings where that is not possible unless CDC guidelines are followed. Citing state law, the executive order says that no local government may issue an order or regulation conflicting with or adding to Ducey's order. The current executive order has no expiration date and says it will be reviewed for possible revision or repeal at least every two weeks.

Context

• Ducey issued an order effective March 20 closing bars, gyms, movie theaters, and dine-in services at restaurants in counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases. He issued a statewide stay-at-home order effective March 31, ordering individuals to only leave the house for essential activities and ordering nonessential businesses to cease in-person, on-site transactional operations. He extended the order, initially set to expire April 30, until May 15 with modifications allowing retail to reopen. Ducey issued a new order effective May 16 allowing most nonessential businesses to open in line with federal, state, and local safety guidance.
• As of May 17, Arizona had 13,937 cases of COVID-19 and 680 deaths. That is 193.9 cases per 100,000 residents and 9.5 deaths per 100,000 residents.
• Arizona is a Republican trifecta, with a Republican governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

Timeline of reopenings

May 1

• Elective surgeries allowed to resume, with guidelines

May 4

• Retail for curbside pickup

From the April 29 extended stay-at-home order: "Businesses and entities that remain open shall implement rules and procedures that facilitate physical distancing and spacing of individuals of at least six feet." May 8

• Retail for in-person operations

From the April 29 order: "Businesses and entities that remain open shall implement rules and procedures that facilitate physical distancing and spacing of individuals of at least six feet."

• Additional guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services
• Barbershops and cosmetologists

From the May 4 executive order: "[E]ffective Friday, May 8, 2020, barbers and cosmetologists ... may resume operations provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19, including using face coverings for employees and customers, operating by appointment only and following protocols as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Department of Labor Division of Occupational Safety and the Arizona Department of Health Services."

• Additional guidance from the ADHS

May 11

• Restaurants for dine-in service

From the May 4 executive order: "[E]ffective Monday, May 11, 2020, dine-in services may resume provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19, including enacting physical distancing policies, limiting the number of diners and following protocols as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Department of Labor Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Arizona Department of Health Services."

• Additional guidance from the ADHS

May 13

• Gyms with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation (Guidance from the ADHS)
• Pools with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation (Guidance from the ADHS)
• Spas with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation (Guidance from the ADHS)

On May 12, Ducey announced guidance for gyms, pools, and spas, which could reopen May 13. May 16

• Major League sports with no audience, following CDC guidelines
• Most nonessential businesses following safety guidelines
• No bars that don't serve food, concerts, or festivals may reopen/resume

Ducey's "Arizona Together" presentation summarized the executive order that was effective May 16 as follows:

“

INDIVIDUALS Vulnerable individuals should remain at home Individuals in these households should avoid returning to work where distancing is not practical Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents All Arizonans should continue to physically distance Social settings where appropriate distancing is not practical should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed and CDC guidelines are followed BUSINESSES Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding: Social distancing and protective equipment Temperature checks Testing, isolating and contact tracing Sanitation Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas Business travel Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider EMPLOYERS Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations. If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES. Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols. Minimize NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel. Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.

”

The plan also contains a section called, "Remember to do your part," advising individuals to do the following:

“

CONTINUE TO PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE ✓ Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces. ✓ Avoid touching your face. ✓ Cover your cough or sneeze, cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. ✓ Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible. ✓ Strongly consider using face coverings while in public, and particularly when using mass transit. PEOPLE WHO FEEL SICK SHOULD STAY HOME ✓ Do not go to work or school. ✓ Contact and follow the advice of your medical provider.

”

Site-specific guidance As of May 18, The Arizona Department of Health Services has released guidance for 10 types of establishment. There are guidelines for the people who run these establishments and the individuals attending them.

• Barbers & Cosmetologists
• Restaurants
• Gyms
• Pools
• Retail
• Spas/Massage Therapy
• Shopping Malls
• Theaters
• Casinos
• Places Of Worship (Note: Ducey's executive order on essential activities includes attending places of worship as an essential activity. As such, places of worship were not required to close as part of the stay-at-home order. These places were required to implement physical distancing to the extent feasible, and the guidance recommends continuing to do so.)

Reactions

• Glenn Hamer, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, said of the April 29 modified stay-at-home order, "The revisions put forth by the governor breathe needed oxygen into our retail sector. Stores that sell essential goods have proven already that they can operate safely, and we look forward to more retailers doing the same."
• Timothy Lant, mathematical epidemiologist at Arizona State University, said of the April 29 order, "We waited as long as we could in order to make the right decision, and I think waiting until the 15th is the right decision. … It’s consistent with CDC guidance. It’s consistent with the models that I have developed. It’s consistent with similar activities in other states that are, I think, on the cautious side of doing what needs to be done."
• In a joint statement on Ducey's April 29 order, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans said, "Our preference is to have the current stay-at-home order remain in place without modifications; however, we agree it’s critical to extend stay-at-home guidelines until at least May 15 and show a steadier trendline before further reopening happens."
• State House Majority Leader Warren Petersen (R) wrote of the April 29 order, "I’m asking my colleagues in the legislature to join me in overturning the arbitrary extension of the stay at home order. In case you didn’t know, anyone can stay at home."

Coronavirus resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

State resources

• Office of the Governor of Arizona
• Arizona Department of Health
• Arizona Department of Education

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

Federal resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization

See also

• Documenting America's Path to Recovery
• Arizona’s path to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses in Arizona to the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
• COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
• Travel restrictions by state
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic

Footnotes