Arizona Republican lawmakers ask for investigation into county recorder’s handling of 2024 election
Republican lawmakers in Arizona are calling for an investigation into Pima County recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly for her handling of the 2024 General Election. State Representatives Teresa Martinez and Rachel Jones have penned a letter to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, citing concerns about potential misconduct during the election.
The lawmakers accuse Cazares-Kelly, a progressive Democrat who has been in office since 2021, of closing an early ballot request portal before the legal deadline for early ballot requests. They claim that this decision impacted nearly 4,000 voters in Pima County, raising concerns about compliance with Arizona election laws and potential voter disenfranchisement.
In addition to the early ballot request portal issue, Martinez and Jones have raised concerns about inadequate safeguards in the recorder’s voter registration program for prison inmates, which may have allowed ineligible individuals to vote. They also question the method of processing, storing, and tracking undeliverable ballots under Cazares-Kelly’s leadership.
The lawmakers say that previous inquiries into these matters, including letters sent in June and October, went unanswered, prompting them to call for a full investigation. Martinez emphasized the importance of election integrity, stating that voters deserve to know that their elections are being administered fairly and transparently.
Jones added that immediate action is needed to restore public trust, especially when faced with barriers to requesting a ballot and questions about unlawful voting and ballot processing. The lawmakers reached out to Cazares-Kelly’s office for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
The Arizona Attorney General’s office confirmed receipt of the letter but declined to comment further, citing their policy of not discussing potential investigations. Cazares-Kelly, the first Native American woman elected to a seat in Pima County, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
In their letter to the Attorney General, Martinez and Jones referenced recent comments made by Mayes regarding an investigation into former President Donald Trump’s remarks about Rep. Liz Cheney. They hope that Mayes will agree that Cazares-Kelly’s actions during the 2024 General Election warrant a thorough investigation, in the interest of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections for Arizonans.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and address any concerns raised by lawmakers to maintain public trust in the democratic system. Voters must have confidence that their voices are being heard and their votes are being counted accurately.
