On Election Day, officials in battleground states are ready to take legal action against any counties that disrupt or delay the vote certification process. This comes after reports that some counties in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico did not initially certify results or did so with incomplete tallies following the 2022 midterm elections.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes issued a warning stating that failure to certify an election at the county level could lead to indictment. Fontes mentioned sending stern letters to ensure compliance. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also confirmed that legal filings have been prepared to sue any county attempting to avoid certifying this year's results.
During the 2020 presidential election, former President Trump reportedly influenced members of Michigan's Wayne County Board of Canvassers not to certify the results. However, officials emphasize that the law mandates the certification of election results, and legal action will be taken against any attempts to obstruct the process.
Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer for the Georgia secretary of state's office, emphasized that attempts to delay certification by a single county will not be tolerated by the courts. He highlighted the readiness of the legal team to address any challenges that may arise.
State election officials stress that certifying election results is a mandatory duty for local officials and not optional. The legal teams in place are prepared to ensure that the law is followed and that the integrity of the election process is upheld.
