Arizona

Arizona: Ballot paper, not bad guys, caused Election Day printer problems | Joedy McCreary/USA Today

The claim that malware or remote access caused printer problems leading to the rejection of 200,000 out of 248,000 votes cast in Maricopa County, Arizona, during the 2022 midterms is false. An investigation led by retired state Supreme Court Justice Ruth McGregor found that the printer issues were attributed to the use of larger, thicker paper for the new ballots, not malicious interference. The new paper size was necessary to accommodate over 70 races, and the increased thickness aimed to prevent ink bleed-through. All legally cast ballots were properly counted, despite some delays and frustrations for Election Day voters. Read Article

Arizona: Federal judge blocks 2 voting laws, saying feds, not state, govern voting rights |  Ray Stern/Arizona Republic

A federal judge has ruled against new Arizona laws that required voters to prove their citizenship, granting rights groups the authority to investigate the intentions behind these laws. These laws, signed by former Republican Governor Doug Ducey, were passed on party lines despite warnings of their potential unconstitutionality. The U.S. Department of Justice and several civil rights organizations sued the state over these laws, which ban certain individuals from voting by mail or in state elections. While the ruling doesn’t conclude the legal proceedings, it makes it clear that federal laws, rather than state laws, govern the issue of proof-of-citizenship for voters. The judge’s ruling now requires legislative leaders to submit to depositions and disclose communications that may shed light on the reasons behind the laws. Read Article

“Where’s Celia?” An Arizona elections official becomes the target of a virtual manhunt by GOP activists on a public records crusade. | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

The article details the story of Celia Nabor, a former election official in Maricopa County, Arizona, who faced harassment and threats from a political action committee called We The People AZ Alliance, primarily funded by Patrick Byrne’s The America Project. The PAC employed a strategy of bombarding local election offices with public records requests, using the obtained documents to spread misinformation about elections. Nabor, who oversaw mail-in ballot verification, was falsely accused of aiding election fraud. The surge in such requests has overwhelmed election offices nationwide, straining resources and hampering their ability to combat misinformation. Nabor eventually resigned and faced ongoing harassment, prompting her to relocate for safety. Despite these challenges, the PAC continues to file requests for Nabor’s communications, and legal battles surrounding these requests persist. Read Article

Arizona: Federal Judge blocks state from enforcing law regulating who can vote for president | Howard Fischer/Arizona Capitol Times

A federal judge in Arizona has ruled that the state cannot enforce a 2022 law regulating who can vote for president. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton declared that Arizonans using a federal voter registration form have the right to cast a ballot in presidential elections, invalidating portions of the law requiring “satisfactory evidence of citizenship” to vote in such elections. Additionally, the judge struck down a provision preventing those using the federal form from voting by mail. However, final judgment on other changes in state voter registration laws will be determined after a full trial. The ruling effectively overturns efforts by GOP lawmakers to restrict presidential voting eligibility ahead of the 2024 election. While state law mandates proof of citizenship for voting in local and state races, federal law allows a sworn statement of citizenship for voting in federal elections, including presidential ones, according to the National Voter Registration Act. Read Article

Arizona: Judge questions legality of method used for verifying ballot signatures | Howard Fischer/Tucson Daily Star

A judge in Yavapai County, Arizona, has stated that the practice used by counties in the state to verify signatures on early ballots may be illegal. The judge emphasized that state law is “clear and unambiguous” in requiring election officials to compare the signature on a ballot envelope with the voter’s registration record, which consists of the document signed at the time of initial registration and subsequent changes such as party affiliation. This would make it illegal to use other documents for signature verification. The judge’s ruling came in response to a lawsuit challenging the practice, filed by two groups, and while a final order has not yet been issued, the judge’s decision to not dismiss the case indicates that the issue will be further litigated. The lawsuit targets Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ efforts to allow comparison of signatures against additional documents, a practice currently in widespread use. Read Article

Arizona: In court, Trump supporter faces election official he violently threatened | Yvonne Wingett Sanchez/The Washington Post

Clint Hickman, a Republican who serves as chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Arizona, endured threats and harassment after certifying Trump’s loss in Arizona in 2020. Mark Rissi, who threatened Hickman and the state’s former attorney general, faced federal prosecutors and was sentenced to 30 months in prison, highlighting how individuals who embraced violence or threats due to election denialism are now facing legal consequences. The case reflects the broader challenges facing democracy and the efforts to deter threats against public officials involved in election processes. Read Article

Arizona: Are ballot envelopes public record? Kari Lake voter challenge to be heard in court | Stacey Barchenger/Arizona Republic

Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake has been granted a two-day trial in September to review the signatures of about 1.3 million Maricopa County residents who voted early in the 2020 election. Lake has argued that the signatures on the green affidavit envelopes voters use to return their early ballots are a public record, while the county contends they are not subject to public review. Lake, who lost the race for governor but continues to claim she is the rightful governor and a victim of a rigged election, has used this case to support her baseless election fraud claims. Read Article

Arizona: Cochise County votes no on extending controversial ballot paper security pilot | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Cochise County in Arizona has voted against extending a $1 million state grant that would have allowed them to work with Authentix, a company partnered with former state Rep. Mark Finchem, to test security features on ballots, including watermarks and special ink. The decision means that County Recorder David Stevens will only be able to use supplies he had already ordered from another company, Runbeck Election Services, for the pilot testing. Authentix has been linked to Stevens through personal connections, and some residents expressed concerns about the contract, believing it to be unnecessary and potentially tied to political favoritism. This decision follows controversies around the county’s election processes, including disputes over hand-counting ballots and claims of fraud. Read Article

Arizona Supreme Court rules against attorney seeking to void 2022 election | Howard Fischer/Arizona Capitol Times

The Arizona Supreme Court has rejected an attempt to void the results of the entire 2022 election. A Scottsdale attorney, Ryan Heath, had asked the court to order Maricopa County to redo the process used to verify signatures on early ballot envelopes. However, the court ruled that only those involved in the original lawsuit have the legal right to appeal the trial court’s decision and that Heath’s legal relief sought, which is an order to redo the 2022 election or revisit the ballots, is only appropriate when there are no facts in dispute, which is not the case here. Read Article

Arizona: Cut this, add that: Commenters on left, right criticize draft of 2024 state’s ‘election bible’ | Mary Jo Pitzl/Arizona Republic

Arizona’s draft Elections Procedures Manual, which outlines how to conduct an election, has attracted significant public input and scrutiny from voting rights groups, political parties, state lawmakers, and more. The manual, issued by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, has generated controversy over various provisions, including the date when voters would be removed from county voting rosters, interpretation of voting laws, and voter registration procedures. Senate President Warren Petersen has threatened to sue if certain edits are not made to the manual. Public input is being considered as the manual undergoes revisions and must ultimately gain approval from the attorney general, governor, and secretary of state for use in upcoming elections. Read Article

Arizona: Secure ballots or boondoggle? Cochise county tailors project to politically connected firm | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

An Arizona county’s plan to spend up to $1 million in state funds to test anti-counterfeit features on ballots has raised suspicions that the project was designed to benefit a specific company, Texas-based Authentix, which has been promoting its products with the help of political allies in the state. The project involves adding unique features like watermarks to ballots to protect against fraudulent ballots and improve voter confidence. However, election technology experts argue that the project is tailored for Authentix’s products and could limit competition while testing unnecessary and expensive features. Critics view the venture as unnecessary and designed to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, particularly since courts have found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Arizona’s elections. Cochise County supervisors are set to vote on the contract with Authentix, despite concerns about the project’s specificity and potential lack of competitiveness. Read Article

Arizona: Mohave County rejects proposal to hand-count ballots in 2024 elections | Josh Kelety/Associated Press

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 against adopting a proposal to hand-count ballots in the 2024 election cycle. The local elections director warned that implementing a hand count would cost over $1.1 million and require hiring hundreds of new workers. The board chair cited the county’s projected budget deficit as the reason for rejecting the proposal. Mohave County is among several U.S. counties that have explored tabulating ballots by hand, but experts warn that hand counts are less reliable and more time-consuming than machine tabulation. Despite the lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, the prospect of hand counting ballots remains popular among some elected officials, activists, and voters who distrust U.S. elections and spread conspiracies about election equipment. Read Article

Arizona Republicans wanted to hand-count ballots. Then they saw the price tag — and the errors. | Jane C. Timm/NBC

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 against adopting a hand-counting process for ballots in the 2024 elections after discovering that it would cost over $1.1 million and result in inaccurate results. Some conservatives, including allies of former President Donald Trump, have advocated for hand-counting as a way to ensure election accuracy, but Mohave County’s experience showed that it is expensive, impractical, and potentially unreliable. The test run of hand-counting 850 test ballots resulted in errors, including bored and tired staffers making mistakes, messy handwriting in tallies, and other issues. The total cost for the process, including staffing, security, and venue rental, was deemed too high and impractical for the county’s projected budget deficit. Read Article

Arizona’s 11 Republican fake electors face state, federal scrutiny  | Robert Anglen/Arizona Republic

A group of 84 people, including Republican officials, lawmakers, and candidates from seven swing states, falsely claimed to be alternate electors in a coordinated plot to keep Donald Trump in office after the 2020 presidential election. In Arizona, 11 top party officials and candidates avowed they were the state’s “duly elected and qualified electors” and cast their votes for Trump, despite him not winning the state. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has launched an investigation into the state’s fake electors, and similar probes have taken place in Nevada, Georgia, and Michigan. Read Article

Arizona: As push for hand-counting ballots continues, Republican senators emphasize legality, not practicality | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Republican lawmakers in Arizona are touring the state to convince county decision-makers to hand-count ballots in the upcoming presidential election. They claim that it is legal to do so in Arizona, emphasizing that county officials are not mandated to use machines. The pitch is finding support among Republican voters who are skeptical of the security of machines, but election law attorneys disagree on the legality of hand-counting ballots. While some believe the lack of specificity in state law allows for hand-counting, others argue that it is illegal based on other sections of the law. Hand-counting ballots could pose significant challenges due to Arizona’s notoriously long ballot and high turnout, making the process less accurate and efficient compared to using machines. The debate over legality is drawing attention away from other well-known issues with hand-counting and has the potential to result in a court battle at taxpayer expense. Read Article

Arizona: Cochise Supervisors’ quest for conducting 100% hand count continues in court | Summer Hom/AZPM

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors has filed an appeal after a judge ruled against their pursuit of a 100% hand count audit of the 2022 General Election, stating it violated Arizona election law. The board’s attorney argued that state statute permits such an audit, citing the language requiring a randomized hand count audit of at least two percent of precincts or two precincts, whichever is greater. Another section of Arizona law allowing ballots to be counted by hand or machines was also invoked. The judge maintained the statute applies and is not superfluous, while an attorney representing the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans argued that Arizona law does not allow a full hand-count audit unless discrepancies trigger expanded audits. The appeals court has not set a timetable for its decision. Read Article

Arizona: Federal officials to test Maricopa County’s electronic poll books in pilot program | Sasha Hupka/Arizona Republic

Maricopa County is participating in a pilot program to test its electronic poll books, known as SiteBooks, in order to develop guidelines for poll book systems across the United States. The pilot program aims to standardize the security checks for electronic poll books, improve national security posture, and increase trust in elections. Maricopa County’s SiteBooks, which connect to the internet and have unique features, have been hardened over the years to prevent unauthorized access. The testing and findings from the pilot program could inform further improvements to electronic poll book systems and provide guidance for jurisdictions nationwide. Read Article

Arizona: ‘It warrants a criminal investigation’: Prominent former prosecutor seeks probe of Cyber Ninjas | Robert Anglen/Arizona Republic

Doug Logan, CEO of Cyber Ninjas, is facing calls for a criminal investigation into his refusal to release text messages and other records related to the Arizona “audit” of the 2020 election. Former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley, a Republican, argues that Logan’s failure to obey court orders could constitute contempt and a violation of state law. Romley believes that potential criminal charges could include tampering with public records and fraudulent schemes. Logan’s withholding of communications raises suspicions of corruption and fraud surrounding the election review, which was criticized for its predetermined outcome and inability to complete the task. Logan has also been accused of eliminating messages and redacting thousands of texts without adequate explanation. Despite fines and court orders, Logan continues to fight against the release of records. Romley urges the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to initiate investigations into Logan’s actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public trust. Read Article

Arizona: Preparing for the fight against 2024 election misinformation | Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/AZ Mirror

Election officials and experts are sounding the alarm about the growing threats and disinformation campaigns targeting election workers ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. The shift in climate since the 2020 election has put a strain on election administrators, leading to high turnover rates. Arizona, in particular, has been identified as a state with significant threats to election workers, including violent threats and harassment. Concerns arise over the appointment of election deniers to positions within election offices, which could lead to misinformation and maladministration. While officials emphasize the need for vigilance, they also highlight the importance of transparency in the election process to counter disinformation. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of election workers and address threats, but the persistent spread of misinformation remains a challenge. Read Article

Arizona: ‘Our numbers are screwy’: Cyber Ninjas CEO admits he couldn’t tally hand count of ballots | Robert Anglen/Arizona Republic

Doug Logan, the CEO of the technology firm Cyber Ninjas, hired by Senate Republicans in Arizona to conduct an audit of the 2020 election results, privately admitted in text messages that he was unable to make sense of the data from the hand recount of 2.1 million ballots. The messages reveal that the company struggled to tally up the results and could not aggregate the data from the tally sheets used by volunteers. The texts appear to support critics’ claims that the audit lacked credibility and that the numbers were “fiction.” The article suggests that the audit was part of a broader effort to overturn the election results and sow doubt in the electoral process. Read Article

Arizona: No rules for Maricopa County as it replaces faulty ballot printers, spends $8 million | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Maricopa County is planning to spend $8.3 million on purchasing new Lexmark printers for each of its polling places in preparation for the 2024 elections. This decision comes after the county experienced breakdowns with its current retail-grade printers during the 2022 Election Day, leading to rejected ballots. The county supervisors have set aside $9 million for the purchase, and the decision does not require a direct vote as the county is updating its existing contract with its current supplier, Runbeck Election Services. The lack of regulations for ballot printers has been highlighted, and experts suggest the need for standards and testing to prevent future problems. Ballot printers were “seen as a peripheral thing,” said Pam Smith, CEO of Verified Voting, a nonprofit which advocates for security in election technology. “But now there is more realization that this could actually have an impact on voters.” No federal or state laws regulate which printers Arizona counties use to print ballots-on-demand for voters, or how the printers are tested. Read Article

Arizona Secretary of State steps in as Mohave County makes plan for hand-counting ballots | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has expressed concerns about a proposal by supervisors in Mohave County to hand-count ballots in the 2024 presidential election. Fontes, a Democrat, argued that such a move would violate state and federal laws, potentially compromise security, and lead to inaccurate results. He highlighted the potential for human error and emphasized that state law does not allow for the substitution of hand counts for certified electronic tabulation equipment. Republican supervisors, supported by state senators Sonny Borrelli and Wendy Rogers, pushed for the hand-counting of ballots, while Fontes warned of legal consequences and lack of accountability. The debate reflects ongoing controversies surrounding ballot tabulation machines and false claims of vote switching in the 2020 election. Read Article

Arizona: Nothing ‘secret’ about voting machine testing shown on video, officials say | Philip Marcelo/Associated Press

A video circulating on social media purportedly showing election officials in Arizona’s Maricopa County conducting “secret” voting equipment tests ahead of the contested November 2022 midterms is false. The video is not new footage but comes from the county’s live broadcast of the election process in 2022. Election officials clarify that it shows the installation and testing of new memory cards on ballot counting machines, a routine process done before every election to ensure proper functioning. Experts and officials emphasize that there was nothing clandestine or secretive about the video, and the claims of ballot rigging are baseless. Read Article

Arizona isn’t banning machines to count ballots. Why a top senator’s declaration means nothing | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

A letter from Arizona Senate majority leader Sonny Borrelli to all 15 counties in the state is causing confusion about the use of machines to count ballots in future elections. Borrelli’s letter claims that a resolution passed by the legislature earlier this year prohibits the use of electronic voting systems unless they meet certain criteria, which current systems in Arizona do not. However, the resolution is not legally binding and does not change existing laws. County officials have stated that they will continue to follow state and federal laws regarding election equipment and procedures. Borrelli’s letter is seen by some as an attempt to push for a ban on voting machines based on concerns about their security, fueled in part by baseless claims made by former President Donald Trump, Read Articl

Arizona: After botching election results, Pinal County wants to try hand-counting ballots | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Pinal County supervisors in Arizona are considering hand-counting ballots in future elections despite the proven drawbacks of manual counting, as they face pressure from residents who believe in false claims about vote switching. The county’s previous election had errors due to human error, not the tabulation machines. Supervisors plan to conduct a trial hand-count using a sample of 2022 ballots and discuss the possibility of counting all 2024 ballots by hand, although it is currently illegal in Arizona. The county is taking steps to address election problems, including adding staff and implementing new processes, while also exploring the option of hand-counting to appease public demand. Read Article

Arizona judge dismisses Kari Lake’s final claim in election loss for governor | Aossicated Press

A judge has dismissed the only remaining legal claim in Republican Kari Lake’s challenge of her loss in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race, affirming the election of Democrat Katie Hobbs. Lake, who promoted former President Donald Trump’s election lies during her campaign, failed to prove her claim that Maricopa County did not verify signatures on mail ballots as required by law. Despite other election deniers conceding after losing their races in November, Lake has continued to tout her legal battle and has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick for Trump. However, the judge ruled against her, stating that the evidence did not support her claim. Read Article

Arizona: Why Kari Lake is still, six months after losing, in court arguing the 2022 election was stolen? | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Kari Lake, a GOP candidate who continues to assert that the 2020 election was fraudulently stolen from her, persists with shape-shifting arguments in court even six months after the races were called. Recently, a judge granted Lake a trial on a claim that has undergone changes over time, reflecting her determination to challenge the election results. Despite lacking evidence to support her allegations, Lake has used the ongoing litigation as a platform to spread false claims and solicit funds from supporters. The prolonged legal battle not only fuels uncertainty among voters but also deepens distrust in the electoral system. While Lake benefits from fundraising opportunities, taxpayers foot the bill for state and county attorneys defending the election. This protracted timeline hampers the ability of the Republican Party in Arizona to move forward and focus on upcoming elections, including a crucial Senate race in 18 months. Read Article

Arizona Urged to Strengthen Election Result Verification and Transparency Following Pinal County Ballot Count Errors | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

A Votebeat investigation revealed that election officials in Pinal County, Arizona, documented significant errors in ballot counts before certification but did not disclose them until a recount compelled them to do so. To prevent such mistakes in the future, experts and advocates recommend implementing new rules and guidelines for double-checking election results and increasing state support for county officials responsible for running elections. They emphasize the need for transparency in acknowledging and addressing errors, even in a hostile environment. Key suggestions include strengthening rules for result verification, enhancing the state’s hand-count audit process, following best practices for tracking ballots, and providing better support and training for county officials involved in elections Read Article

Arizona: Thousands of texts from Trump allies stay hidden a year after judge’s order on ‘audit’ | Ryan Randazzo/Arizona Republic

More than a year after a judge ordered the leader of the controversial Arizona “audit” to turn over his texts and other electronic messages, thousands still remain inexplicably hidden. Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan has released more than 39,000 messages, available to anyone who wants to try to make sense of the disordered, sometimes duplicative documents. But his refusal to let go of an estimated 3,000 more raises questions about what’s in them, and why they remain secret despite a court order. … The Arizona Republic has fought for public records of the review of the 2020 Maricopa County general election for almost two years from the Arizona Senate and from the Cyber Ninjas. Reporters have reviewed what has been released and noted the redactions. The news organization’s attorneys have raised objections where they believe information was improperly withheld.

Full Article: Texts from Arizona ‘audit’ are kept secret by Cyber Ninjas’ Doug Logan

Arizona Republicans expelled an election denier from the legislature. Here’s why. | Yvonne Wingett Sanchez/The Washington Post

For 40 minutes, the witness before a joint committee of the Arizona legislature unfurled her theory: A Mexican drug cartel was secretly paying off state and local government officials as part of an election-fraud scheme. Everyone from the governor on down was implicated. Even senior-ranking Republicans. When a GOP state senator balked at the outlandish claims and asked the witness, a local insurance agent, who had invited her to the February session, she identified a first-term Republican, state Rep. Liz Harris. From the dais, Harris motioned her hand across her neck in a gesture commonly used to cue silence. In the two and a half years since Donald Trump falsely claimed victory in the 2020 election, Republican officeholders have rarely held their fellow party members accountable for originating or spreading misinformation about the electoral system. In Arizona GOP circles, the false claims have run particularly rampant, eroding support for democracy and costing taxpayers millions of dollars as lawmakers hunted futilely for proof that the vote had been rigged. But the case of the Arizona legislator who helped perpetuate the groundless belief that the Sinaloa drug cartel was orchestrating election fraud ended this month with an unusual twist: She was expelled from office by her colleagues, Republicans included.

Full Article: Arizona Republicans expelled an election denier from the legislature. Here’s why. – The Washington Post