Arizona Counties Certifying Primary Election Sparks Warnings for November’s Political Landscape

This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access.

During a Pinal County supervisors meeting on Monday, Chairman Mike Goodman attempted to maintain order as Republican Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh voiced allegations of election fraud linked to the county’s primary election results. His outbursts persisted despite the Chairman’s gavel strikes intended to restore decorum.

Cavanaugh’s continued assertions of cheating clashed with the smooth voting experience reported across Arizona, where observers noted no substantial issues during the July 30 primary. Eventually, Goodman had to instruct staff to mute Cavanaugh’s microphone as he pressed on with his accusations.

Amidst the turmoil, Cavanaugh cast his vote to certify the results “under duress,” a move he expressed was against his true beliefs regarding the election’s accuracy, particularly after his substantial defeat in the sheriff’s race.

In nearby Maricopa County, tensions escalated further as constituents demanded transparency during the results certification, with one resident controversially comparing the integrity of local elections unfavorably to those in Russia.

Both counties’ supervisors, despite the protests, unanimously certified the election results. This trend raises concerns about the implications for future elections, especially with prominent GOP figures like Donald Trump and Kari Lake still disputing previous electoral outcomes.

Kent Volkmer, the Pinal County Attorney, expressed concern over Cavanaugh’s “under duress” vote, indicating that had it been crucial, he might have advised a revote. “Duress means it’s not a vote of your own accord,” he noted.

Cavanaugh had previously filed a complaint for an investigation into the primary results, including his loss to Ross Teeple. However, analysts have disputed the validity of his claims, asserting that patterns he identified do not signify electoral misconduct.

The state law mandates that supervisors certify results by the deadline, with any discrepancies needing immediate legal recourse after the Secretary of State’s approval. As Cavanaugh attempted to voice further concerns, Goodman swiftly interrupted, emphasizing that his vote still counted.

The atmosphere at Pinal County’s meeting was described as a “clown show” by fellow Republican Supervisor Stephen Miller, who criticized the baseless accusations hindering the certification process.

Post-meeting, several party members, including Kirk Fiehler and Lisa Sanor, expressed confidence in the election results, contradicting Cavanaugh’s narrative. Sanor warned that perpetuating such claims endangers the public’s trust in democracy.

In Maricopa County, officials faced turbulent reactions during a presentation outlining the election’s security measures. Persistent interruptions highlighted the fractious environment local supervisors now operate within, compounded by an increasingly hostile public sentiment towards recent election processes.

The certification process was marked by public dissent, as some residents expressed vehement objections. Nonetheless, the supervisors stood firm, noting that the expansive participation reflected public confidence in the electoral system.

As the final vote passed in Maricopa County, the growing divide over election integrity continues to emerge as a significant factor leading into future electoral contests.

Jen Fifield is a reporter for Votebeat based in Arizona. Contact Jen at jfifield@votebeat.org.