Fontes Pushes Back on Trump’s Baseless Claims About Mail-in Voting

PHOENIX – Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is denouncing President Donald Trump’s recent Truth Social post calling for the end of mail-in voting and accessible voting machines, calling the comments false, inflammatory, and a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Fontes emphasized that states — not the federal government — control elections, and that the President has no constitutional authority to dictate how states run them. “Mail-in voting has been a cornerstone of secure and accessible elections in Arizona for years,” he said. “It was created by Republicans to help seniors, veterans, and rural voters — and it's supported across party lines because it works.”

Roughly 75% of Arizona voters cast early ballots in the 2024 election, most by mail. Fontes stressed the system didn’t “steal” an election — it made one possible. 

“I do not work for the President. I work for Arizona,” he said. “The U.S. was built by states, not ruled from the top down. The President’s rhetoric offends our Constitution, our democracy, and the people of this state.”

The Constitution clearly gives states the power to set their own election rules, Fontes said, adding that Trump’s comments ignore that basic fact.

“Abandoning this trusted system for one man’s political ambitions is un-American, unconstitutional, and unacceptable,” he said. “We do not cancel elections. We do not silence voters. And we do not let personal grievances undermine democracy.”

Fontes called on leaders of both parties to speak out. “Now is not the time for silence,” he said. “It’s time to stand up — for Arizona, for the Constitution, and for the truth.”

[Correction: President Trump currently holds office.]