Arizona’s Ballot Deadline Debate: Secretary of State Fontes Voices Opposition
In a significant move that could alter how Arizonans cast their votes, a new Republican-backed bill proposes changing the deadline for early ballot drop-offs. Currently, voters can submit their ballots until the end of Election Day, but the proposed change would require ballots to be dropped off by 7 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has expressed his opposition to this measure. Fontes, a member of the Democratic Party, criticized the rationale behind the bill, stating, “I don’t see why we should be changing them just because networks can’t make their call on election night. That’s the apparent red herring in this whole thing, and if you’re limiting Arizonans’ ability to vote, I’m going to fight against it.”
The bill, having been approved by Republicans last week, awaits further action. However, Governor Katie Hobbs, who holds the authority to veto the bill, is also expected to oppose it. Fontes has extended his support to Gov. Hobbs in her anticipated veto of the legislation.
As the debate continues, the proposed changes have sparked discussions about voter accessibility and election reporting timelines in Arizona.
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