Pima County Election Concerns Spark Investigation Call

Republican lawmakers in Arizona are advocating for a formal investigation into Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, following serious allegations regarding her administration of the 2024 General Election. This call to action revolves around accusations that she unlawfully closed an early ballot request portal prior to the legal deadline, alongside other claims that could signify significant misconduct.

Lawmakers Request Attorney General’s Intervention

State Representatives Teresa Martinez and Rachel Jones addressed a letter to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes last week, urging her to initiate a probe into what they describe as “significant and highly concerning issues” surrounding Cazares-Kelly’s actions during the election process. This accusation is compounded by the fact that Cazares-Kelly, a progressive Democrat, has been in her role since 2021 and is the first Native American woman elected to such a seat in Pima County.

Martinez and Jones assert that the Pima County Recorder’s Office disabled its online ballot request system six days ahead of the legally mandated deadline. Such a move is purportedly projected to affect nearly 4,000 voters, raising critical questions about potential voter disenfranchisement and compliance with Arizona’s election laws. Pima County has a demographic of over 1 million residents, making it the second-most populous county in Arizona, following Maricopa County.

Concerns Over Voter Registration and Ballot Processing

The allegations expand beyond the ballot request portal. The lawmakers have also pointed to inadequate safeguards in the recorder’s voter registration program for prison inmates, which they believe may have led to ineligible individuals casting votes. They referenced troubling previous inquiries into this issue that remained unaddressed, including a communication sent by Jones and State Representative Cory McGarr back in June.

Furthermore, Martinez and Jones expressed unease regarding the handling of undeliverable ballots by Cazares-Kelly’s administration. They have requested clarification over the procedures for processing, storing, and tracking these ballots, but claim that a subsequent letter sent on October 24 to further elucidate compliance with Arizona laws received no acknowledgment.

The Implications of Election Integrity

“Election integrity is the foundation of our democracy, and voters deserve to know their elections are being administered fairly, lawfully, and transparently,” Martinez articulated in her statement. “The numerous irregularities and lack of accountability from the Pima County Recorder’s Office demand a full investigation.”

Jones reinforced this sentiment by pointing out the gravity of the situation: “When nearly 4,000 voters face barriers to requesting a ballot, and when questions about unlawful voting and ballot processing are met with silence, it’s clear that immediate action is needed to restore public trust.”

Response from Cazares-Kelly and the Attorney General’s Office

Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to Cazares-Kelly’s office for comments but did not receive an immediate reply. Similarly, a spokesperson from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office confirmed that they had received the letter submitted by Martinez and Jones, but noted that the office does not comment on ongoing or potential investigations.

Cazares-Kelly, known for her progressive stance, also serves as President of the Progressive Democrats of Southern Arizona and as Vice President of the Arizona Democratic Party’s Native American Caucus.

Political Context and Broader Implications

The context surrounding these allegations includes observations made by lawmakers regarding the Attorney General’s office investigating remarks made by President-elect Donald Trump that were interpreted as potentially threatening towards former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney. In their correspondence, Martinez and Jones mentioned this incident, drawing parallels in the seriousness of election integrity issues at hand.

“Arizonans deserve free, fair, and transparent elections,” their letter asserted. “In light of your recent decision to immediately investigate President-elect Donald Trump over his speech, we hope you will agree that Recorder Cazares-Kelly’s alarming conduct administering the 2024 General Election warrants a thorough investigation.”

As Arizona’s political landscape continues to shift, this unfolding situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability at all levels of government, particularly concerning procedures that directly affect voter participation and the integrity of electoral processes.

Conclusion

The request for an investigation into Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly reflects ongoing tensions within Arizona’s electoral framework. As the political climate evolves, the ramifications of these allegations could hold significant implications for the future of voter trust and engagement in the state. Lawmakers and the public alike are waiting to see how the Attorney General’s office will proceed with this request and whether it will lead to a clearer understanding of the integrity of the electoral process in Pima County.

For more detailed information, you can read the letter here.