Arizona Supreme Court upholds governor’s voting orders in 2023

The Arizona Supreme Court dismissed a Republican challenge to executive orders signed by Governor Katie Hobbs aimed at facilitating voting and registration. The GOP, led by chair Gina Swoboda, filed the challenge in August, arguing that the orders exceeded the governor's powers and violated the separation of powers clause. The court noted that the GOP failed to provide a timely challenge, which could have allowed for a resolution before the upcoming election. The executive orders included using state buildings as polling locations and requiring state agencies to assist with voter registration. The court's Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer highlighted that the GOP did not present sufficient arguments for the court to take up the matter. The Republican Party's late challenge, just before the November 2024 election, raised questions about their urgency and preparedness. The court did not comment on the merits of the GOP's arguments against the executive orders, focusing instead on procedural issues. In response to the lawsuit, the governor's office contended that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction over the case, emphasizing that the GOP's inaction until the last minute created the perceived need for immediate relief. The executive orders were signed in November 2023, and the GOP's concerns included the potential use of Department of Corrections facilities for voting, which they argued lacked clarity on ballot storage and procedures. As the election approaches, Arizona officials are set to begin sending out absentee and mail-in ballots between October 8 and October 11, with in-person voting starting on the same day. The outcome of this legal battle may influence the voting process and the Republican Party's strategy moving forward.