Top Democrats Warn: Election Denialism Lingers On

In a noteworthy development, Arizona’s chief elections officer has declared the strife and legal turmoil that characterized the 2020 and 2022 elections as a bygone issue. Adrian Fontes pointed out that the same election officials responsible for past contests oversaw this year’s election, and the rules remained largely unchanged.

Despite Fontes’ optimism, his statement did not resonate strongly with two other Democratic officials. Attorney General Kris Mayes remains skeptical, as she continues to confront a lawsuit stemming from her narrow victory over Abe Hamadeh in 2022, who contests her legitimacy in office.

However, indications suggest a shift. There have been no protests or threats of legal action following the recent election. “We seem to have done a pretty dog-gone good job this time around,” Fontes asserted, expressing hope that election denialism has largely faded.

Governor Katie Hobbs noted a possible reason for the tranquility: the different outcomes. She remarked, “The people that were making all the noise about potential fraud…they got quiet when they got the result they wanted.”

On November 5, election results were formally certified by Fontes, Hobbs, and Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer. The election saw a turnout of 3.4 million ballots, translating to a participation rate of 78.49% among eligible voters. Notably, Donald Trump surpassed Kamala Harris by 200,000 votes.

The certification facilitated the acknowledgment of 11 electors pledged to Trump, enabling them to cast votes during the Electoral College meeting slated for December 17. This process anticipates a markedly different atmosphere than four years prior, when Capitol protests erupted to challenge electoral outcomes.

Despite the prevailing calm, Mayes cautioned against complacency. “I’m not convinced that we’re there yet,” she stated, highlighting that the echo of past disputes still resonates. Her ongoing litigation over the 2022 election underscores this sentiment.

The lawsuit, spearheaded by Hamadeh’s legal representation, claims Maricopa County improperly counted certain early ballots. Although the appellate court previously dismissed the case due to procedural issues, uncertainty hangs over whether further appeals will occur.

Additionally, Hamadeh has since been elected to Congress, adding complexity to his ongoing claims regarding the attorney general’s office. Yet, he has not clarified his intentions regarding relinquishing the pursuit of the office that Mayes currently holds.

Mayes emphasized the need for confidence in Arizona’s electoral integrity, voicing her commitment to reinforcing the idea of safe and accurate elections across the state. Recent patterns suggest some former protestors have tempered their challenges, particularly following favorable outcomes in this cycle.

As the focus shifts towards the next elections, questions linger concerning potential protests from discontented factions. Hobbs refrained from voicing predictions but acknowledged the shifts in sentiment. “What I can say is what we saw in this election…they didn’t do that because they got the result they wanted,” she noted.

Mayes concluded by asserting, “I think the proof is in the pudding. We’ll see over the next couple of election cycles what happens.” The political landscape remains dynamic, with unfinished business from previous elections continuing to shape the narrative.

Moreover, unresolved legal matters persist, including charges against 11 “fake electors” implicated in an attempt to submit fraudulent documents to Congress. A trial is scheduled for next year, indicating that the ripples of past elections continue to affect Arizona’s political climate.