CPAC Foundation Warns AZ Election Officials: Eyes on Ballot Drop Boxes!

By Matthew Holloway |

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has reached out to Arizona officials regarding the upcoming 2024 elections. In a letter dated August 15, CPAC Foundation leaders Matt Schlapp and Bill Walton expressed their desire to discuss guidelines for monitoring ballot drop boxes. This initiative aims to address voter concerns about election integrity, but the response has been far from welcoming.

Schlapp and Walton emphasized that their intention is not to revisit the contentious 2020 elections. They stated, “We hope to work with you to reduce voter concerns regarding election fraud and the fair and transparent administration of elections.” Their position includes establishing standards for observing drop boxes that all parties can agree upon, reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process.

However, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Attorney General Kris Mayes have voiced strong disapproval of CPAC’s overture. Both officials, who have been at the center of election disputes in recent years, criticized the letter as disingenuous and accused CPAC of contributing to public distrust in the election system.

Aaron Thacker, communication director for Fontes, remarked that CPAC’s approach lacked sincerity and suggested that the organization should first acknowledge its role in promoting election skepticism. In a more conciliatory tone, Mayes indicated a willingness to collaborate with CPAC, provided it recognizes the legitimacy of the past elections as “indisputable facts.”

Importantly, Mayes reinforced her commitment to preventing any form of voter intimidation, including distinguishing voters using open-source data. “I will not stand for any voter intimidation,” she asserted, signaling her strong stance on maintaining an equitable voting environment.

In a recent response shared with The Washington Post, Schlapp elaborated on CPAC’s intentions, stressing the importance of transparency in voting procedures. He remarked, “Unmonitored boxes undermine people’s faith in fair elections,” highlighting the need for robust monitoring protocols across various states.

On the other hand, Fontes characterized CPAC’s initiative as a “sham,” alleging that it aims to facilitate voter intimidation efforts rather than bolster election integrity. His firm rejection underscored the significant political tensions surrounding the issue.

Schlapp concluded by reiterating CPAC’s commitment to ensuring that all lawfully registered voters can participate confidently in elections. He warned that any illegitimate votes would undermine the fundamental democratic principle of equal representation.

Recent judicial decisions, including a ruling by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Ryan-Touhill that deemed the 2023 Elections Procedures Manual unconstitutional, have paved the way for CPAC’s monitoring plans, albeit within certain legal constraints.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.