Florida’s move from 2000s vexation to 2020s role model a blueprint for Arizona, lawmakers say
The 2000 presidential election was a historic event that was marred by confusion and delays, particularly in the state of Florida. The Supreme Court ultimately had to step in to decide the winner, giving the victory to Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Fast forward to recent Arizona elections, where similar issues have cropped up, causing frustration among voters and politicians alike.
State Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, expressed his concerns about the drawn-out canvassing process in Arizona compared to other states like Florida. He pointed out that Arizona could learn from Florida’s mistakes and improve their election process to ensure a smoother and faster counting of votes.
Petersen referred to the “Florida model” of restricting late early ballot drop-offs at county recorders’ offices and implementing on-site tabulations of ballots. These changes aim to increase public trust in the election process, a challenge that both states have faced in the past.
In the 2000 election, Bush supporters in Florida staged the infamous “Brooks Brothers Riot” to protest the disputed ballot tabulations. Similarly, in recent Arizona elections, right-wing activists gathered at election sites demanding better oversight of the ballot count.
On the other hand, Arizona Democrats have opposed the Republicans’ reform bill, citing concerns about potential disenfranchisement. Gov. Katie Hobbs criticized the legislation, claiming that it makes it harder for Arizonans to vote. However, State Sen. T.J. Shope defended the bill, stating that it does not make voting harder and urging the governor to sign it.
Former Rep. Debbie Lesko, who supports the legislation, emphasized the importance of instilling confidence in the election process. She believes that the bill will benefit Arizona’s future elections by ensuring integrity and expanding access to voting.
The proposed legislation includes setting early vote deadlines, requiring ID for late early voting, and providing three days of early in-person voting leading up to Election Day. Despite the disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, some officials like Supervisor Mark Stewart see the bill as a nonpartisan solution to improve election integrity while expanding voter access.
In conclusion, Arizona is facing similar election challenges to what Florida experienced in 2000. By learning from past mistakes and implementing reforms, the state can enhance its election process and restore public trust. It remains to be seen how the ongoing debate over the reform bill will impact future elections in Arizona.
