Republicans Slam Governor Hobbs Over Slow Election Count

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona’s election processes are once again facing intense scrutiny following delayed results from the recent elections. Republicans are criticizing Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs for her inaction, asserting that her refusal to support proposed reforms is exacerbating the problem.

The prolonged vote counting process has put Arizona in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Legislative Republicans argue that their proposals could have improved ballot counting efficiency, particularly after Governor Hobbs vetoed key legislation aimed at reforming the system. Notably, Senator J.D. Mesnard highlighted his 2023 bill, SB 1595, which aimed to enforce equal ID requirements for mailed ballot drop-offs close to Election Day. Hobbs’ veto has drawn sharp criticism from several GOP lawmakers.

Senator Mesnard expressed frustration over the continued delays. “Arizona is a laughingstock across the country. Our state is once again struggling to determine election outcomes, which could have been avoided if my commonsense proposal had been accepted,” he stated. He added that ongoing complications detract from citizens’ voting experience and diminish the state’s reputation nationally.

Mesnard reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these challenges in the upcoming legislative session. He expressed hope that the Governor would approve similar legislation next year, emphasizing the need for timely results that reflect the will of the voters.

In response to the bill’s veto, Governor Hobbs cited a lack of meaningful solutions, claiming the bill did not address the core issues affecting Arizona voters. Senate President Warren Petersen has echoed Mesnard’s concerns, suggesting a shift to a structure akin to Florida’s voting system, which features a Friday cutoff for early ballot drop-offs. Petersen believes this change could streamline the counting process.

Support from his colleagues has been evident, with various Republicans eager to revisit these legislative proposals. State Representative Selina Bliss, who has championed similar measures in previous sessions, reiterated her intent to reintroduce the bill, expressing gratitude for Petersen’s support.

Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope also chimed in, calling for the expedited review of such legislation by Governor Hobbs. Representative Justin Wilmeth and Senator Wendy Rogers expressed solidarity in their support for the proposed shift to a more efficient voting model.

Even beyond the GOP, concerns about Arizona’s electoral timing have attracted attention from media figures. Laurie Roberts, a columnist for The Arizona Republic, recently urged for reforms to facilitate quicker vote counting, emphasizing that the current system is untenable for close races. She suggested returning to more traditional voting practices for those who prefer in-person voting on Election Day.

Petersen thanked Roberts for her insights and expressed hope that upcoming legislative efforts would achieve the necessary reforms. “With widespread citizen support, hopefully, we can enact changes that benefit all Arizonans,” he stated.

As the state grapples with its election system, lawmakers appear determined to push for changes that could reshape Arizona’s electoral landscape, aiming for improvements in future elections.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.