Republican lawmakers in Arizona are urging an investigation into Pima County recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly for her actions during the 2024 General Election. The lawmakers, Representatives Teresa Martinez and Rachel Jones, have raised concerns about potential misconduct by Cazares-Kelly, a progressive Democrat who has held office since 2021.
Martinez and Jones allege that the Pima County Recorder’s Office closed its online ballot request system six days before the legal deadline, affecting nearly 4,000 voters. This decision has sparked worries about compliance with Arizona election laws and possible voter disenfranchisement in the county, which is the state's second-most populous county after Maricopa County.
Additionally, the lawmakers have questioned the safeguards in the recorder’s voter registration program for prison inmates, suggesting that ineligible individuals may have been allowed to vote. Previous inquiries on this matter reportedly went unanswered.
Concerns have also been raised about the processing, storage, and tracking of undeliverable ballots under Cazares-Kelly's leadership. Despite attempts to seek clarification on compliance with Arizona law, the lawmakers claim to have received no response.
Martinez emphasized the importance of election integrity, stating that voters deserve fair, lawful, and transparent administration of elections. Jones echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for immediate action to restore public trust in the electoral process.
While the Arizona Attorney General's office has acknowledged receipt of the lawmakers' letter, it has refrained from commenting further on potential investigations.
Cazares-Kelly, the first Native American woman elected to a seat in Pima County, has a background in progressive politics and is actively involved in Democratic Party organizations. The lawmakers referenced a previous investigation by the Attorney General's office into remarks made by President-elect Trump, drawing parallels to the current call for an inquiry into Cazares-Kelly's conduct.
The letter from Martinez and Jones underscores the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections in Arizona, urging a thorough investigation into the handling of the 2024 General Election by the Pima County Recorder's Office.
