Arizona Officially Certifies 2024 Election Results, Sec State Fontes Declares ‘Election Denial is Dead’

Arizona has officially certified the results of the 2024 General Election as of Monday morning. This marks a significant departure from previous years, where election certification faced prolonged scrutiny and challenges.

The canvassing process at the county levels was completed last week, paving the way for recounts in certain races. Unlike the contentious certifications of 2020 and 2022, this year proceeded smoothly, with many interpreting the outcome as a turning point in the public’s perception of election validity.

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes remarked, “I think the age of election denialism, for all intents and purposes, is dead.” His comments reflect a shift in the landscape of electoral discourse, particularly following the decisive victory of President-elect Donald Trump earlier this month.

However, not all officials agree with Fontes. Mayes, from the Attorney General’s Office, pointed out lingering challenges to the election process. “I believe I am still dealing with one election challenge from my 2022 race,” she noted, referencing the ongoing disputes instigated by her Republican opponent Abe Hamadeh after a closely contested election.

The recent certification allows for legal challenges to commence. Fontes’ office intends to file court orders today for races meeting the threshold for automatic recounts. This certification also triggers a five-day period for candidates to initiate lawsuits questioning the election results.

Historically, such lawsuits have seen limited success. Both Hamadeh and former Fox10 anchor Kari Lake previously filed lawsuits following their defeats, none of which provided sufficient evidence to alter the election outcomes.

Reflecting on the evolution of election controversies, Governor Katie Hobbs commented, “I can’t help but think back to four years ago… during the backdrop of raging conspiracy theories.” She expressed hope for a return to a more straightforward certification process, describing it as “ministerial” and less dramatic than in past years.

This election cycle also encountered multiple legal battles over ballot initiatives, with issues bouncing between lower courts and the Arizona Supreme Court in the run-up to the election. Overall, voter turnout in Arizona reached approximately 78.4%, according to Fontes.

Hobbs emphasized the importance of public trust in the electoral system, stating, “Everyone needs to take an example from this election that whether you agree with the results or not, our elections are conducted in a secure and transparent manner.”