Early voting figures have bolstered Democrats’ hopes of picking up enough seats in the Senate to split the chamber, thanks to strong showings in two districts in which Democrats are considered most vulnerable to lose.

If Maricopa County is an indication, a lot of folks already have decided who they want to be the next president. It just may be that person is no longer running.

Thursday marks the first day for voters to go to voting centers and cast ballots for statewide, legislative and local races and ballot measures. And county registrars of voters are mailing early ballots starting today.

The six-way primary for the Republican nomination in the governor’s race is now down to two candidates — at least according to them.

Still not enough to turn Arizona blue

It has practically become party doctrine among Arizona Democrats that the growing Latino population will turn the state purple, if not blue. To many, it’s simply a matter of when, not if.

Gallardo: HB2305 unnecessary, election problems could be solved with leftover HAVA money

Several provisions of HB2305 were drafted in direct response to problems in the 2012 election, when it took 11 days to call a close congressional race and an all-time high number of voters were forced to cast provisional ballots.

The referendum effort against the state’s controversial new election law is now facing a two-pronged opposition, as a second political action committee filed paperwork July 23 to fight the referendum.

Supporters of a controversial elections bill formed a campaign committee to combat a referendum drive aimed at putting it on the 2014 ballot.

Protect Our Secret Ballot was filed with the Secretary of State’s Office on Monday to defend HB2305. Sen. Michele Reagan, who sponsored several bills that were later included in the omnibus elections, is the group’s chair.

The Arizona Senate revived an election omnibus bill Thursday that could limit early voting participation after Republican leaders pressured their caucus to pass the measure in the final hours of the 2013 legislative session.

Nearly 60 percent of Arizona voters oppose a bill that could stop some voters from automatically receiving early mail-in ballots, according to a poll announced Monday by liberal advocacy groups ONE Arizona and Arizona Working Families.