Ducey made the bill law hours after the Republican-controlled Legislature gave its final approval.
Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, sponsored the proposal, which now makes it a felony for anyone but a family member, roommate, caregiver, postal worker or elections official to collect early ballots from someone else.
The new law could impact the state's upcoming primary and general elections. It also could draw ire from voters who petitioned to stop a similar regulation from taking effect in 2013.
The Republican governor said this law will ensure a chain of custody between the voter and the ballot box.
"We join 18 other states in this common sense approach to maintaining the integrity of our elections," Ducey said in a statement.
