Finchem Unveils Bold Reforms to Reshape Election Laws

Mark Finchem, a Republican senator from Arizona, appears to have shifted his stance regarding the hand-counting of ballots, acknowledging that his colleagues largely oppose his views on the matter.

In a recent letter to constituents in Prescott, Finchem noted, “While I prefer hand-counting paper ballots at the precinct level, not all my colleagues do.” Following his defeat in the 2022 Secretary of State race, he has proposed a new approach that emphasizes cybersecurity over hand counting.

His latest proposal calls for legislation that mandates if Arizona continues using machine tabulators, these machines must meet “Department of Defense-level cybersecurity standards.” This comes amid broader discussions on election integrity when lawmakers reconvene on January 13.

While concerns over machine tabulation are not new, the debate has intensified among some Republican factions, who argue that the systems are vulnerable to tampering. County officials stand firm that the machines are not internet-connected, thereby reducing exposure to security threats.

Current state law does provide a safety measure, requiring random hand counts of select races across chosen precincts, which can help identify any discrepancies between actual votes and machine results.

Finchem’s previous attempts to convince the courts to deny the reliability of voting machines were unsuccessful; a federal judge dismissed their claims, positing that they were based on speculative premises. The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently declined to hear the case, leaving machine tabulation unchanged for now.

In his letter, Finchem emphasized, “If the machines cannot guarantee stand-alone security, they will be prohibited from use in Arizona if the bill passes.” Additionally, he seeks to move some elections to odd-numbered years, a shift that could provoke significant legislative pushback.

He contends that lengthy ballots during recent elections complicate voter participation. This year, voters contended with extensive ballots filled with numerous races and measures, sometimes necessitating two double-sided pages.

By relocating specific elections to odd-numbered years, including those for judicial positions, Finchem aims to alleviate ballot congestion. He argues this will streamline the voting process and enhance voter experience.

However, his proposal contradicts legislation established in 2012 that mandated all elections occur in even-numbered years. This law sought to consolidate voting and ensure local races receive adequate attention without being overshadowed by state and federal elections.

Senator J.D. Mesnard, a proponent of consolidated elections, has voiced concerns that changing election dates could lead to decreased voter turnout, despite acknowledging the challenges posed by lengthy ballots this past election.

Finchem is also advocating for additional measures aimed at enhancing election integrity, including the use of “currency-grade watermarks” on ballots to guarantee authenticity. This initiative reflects lingering anxieties stemming from claims about voting irregularities in past elections.

His other proposals encompass increasing transparency in voter registration, prohibiting gift cards for political campaign contributions, and clarifying campaign finance laws concerning foreign influence on ballot measures.

As the legislative session approaches, the future of Finchem’s proposals remains uncertain, but they spark an ongoing conversation about election credibility and voter participation in Arizona.