An Arizona state judge has ruled that nine polling locations in Apache County must stay open until 9 p.m. local time after experiencing voting machine and printer issues earlier in the day. The affected locations include Lukachukai, Lupton, Rock Point, Dennehotso, Chinle, Cottonwood, Wheatfields, Fort Defiance, and St. Michaels.
The decision to extend voting hours was made by Judge Michael Latham, who stated that due to the technical problems, voters may need to fill out provisional ballots. These provisional votes will be sequestered and treated accordingly.
The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission filed a complaint in state court requesting a two-hour extension to keep the polls open. This action was taken in response to reports of voting machines and printers failing at multiple polling locations earlier in the day.
President of the Navajo Nation, Buu Nygren, expressed disappointment over the technical issues experienced in Apache County. He highlighted the challenges faced by Navajo voters who had to travel long distances over rough terrain to cast their votes, only to be turned away due to the technical problems.
The extended voting hours aim to ensure that all eligible voters in Apache County have the opportunity to participate in the election despite the earlier disruptions. The court order for the extended hours will allow voters in the affected polling locations to cast their ballots until 9 p.m. local time.
