Grand Canyon Times

Senate President Warren Petersen has issued a warning to Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, indicating potential legal action over the draft of the 2023 Elections Procedures Manual (EPM). Petersen claims the draft misinterprets state election laws and unlawfully expands the Secretary's powers, raising concerns about voter fraud.

The public comment period for the EPM was reduced from one month to two weeks, limiting feedback. Petersen, along with House Speaker Ben Toma, submitted their assessment of the manual. A key issue highlighted is the delay in implementing a 2021 law aimed at preventing voter fraud by updating voter registration lists. The delay could lead to ballots being sent to unintended recipients.

Additional corrections suggested include clarifying that the Secretary lacks authority over certain voter registration procedures and early voting extensions. Concerns were also raised about hand count audits and ballot drop boxes, which are seen as security risks without statutory basis.

Petersen expressed hope that Fontes would incorporate these corrections before submitting the EPM for approval by the Attorney General and Governor. "Failure to do so will result in legal action," he stated.

For further details, contact Kim Quintero, Director of Communications for the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus.