Elections
Martinez Urges Attorney General to Investigate Election Integrity Issues
Arizona State Representatives Rachel Jones and Teresa Martinez have formally requested an investigation by Attorney General Kris Mayes into the management of the upcoming 2024 General Election by Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly. This request arises from serious concerns regarding the recorder’s recent actions.
Key issues raised by the representatives include the shut down of an online early ballot request portal just six days before the deadline, which impacted approximately 4,000 voters. This decision has sparked debates about compliance with Arizona election laws and potential voter disenfranchisement.
Additionally, there are allegations concerning the inmate voter registration program. Critics argue that the program lacks adequate safeguards, leading to concerns about the possibility of ineligible individuals voting. Previous inquiries into this topic have reportedly gone unanswered, raising further alarm.
Another point of contention pertains to the handling of undeliverable and returned ballots. There are questions about the processing and tracking methods utilized by the Pima County Recorder’s Office, which have also drawn scrutiny. Follow-up communications to clarify adherence to election laws have not yielded responses, intensifying the call for accountability.
“Election integrity is the foundation of our democracy, and voters deserve to know their elections are being administered fairly, lawfully, and transparently,” commented Senator Martinez. She emphasized that the irregularities and apparent lack of accountability necessitate a thorough investigation.
A copy of the letter detailing their concerns is publicly available for those interested in the specifics of their request.