Hobbs opposes AG’s appeal of DNC v. Hobbs

PHOENIX – Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs informed the Arizona Attorney General’s Office today that she will not support an appeal of any portion of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court decision on Democratic National Committee v. Hobbs.

Hobbs, who spent eight years in the State Legislature, voted against the law that criminalizes people for helping neighbors ensure their ballots are counted. In the recent decision, which lifted the ban, the district court asserted, “(T)here has never been a case of voter fraud associated with ballot collection charged in Arizona.”

“I will continue to condemn any efforts to create unnecessary barriers to voting, especially when those obstacles are based on hyperbolic fears,” Hobbs said. “I opposed this law when it was being considered by the legislature, and nothing has changed since then. The court made the right call for voters in this state. I hope the Attorney General’s Office recognizes that this issue is a red herring that undermines confidence in our democracy.”

Additionally, Hobbs announced today she will not support efforts to appeal the decision on the portion of the lawsuit pertaining to out-of-precinct voting.

“Based on conversations with county recorders and election officials in all 15 counties, I am confident in their ability to address the issues associated with out-of-precinct voting without needlessly extending this litigation. Let’s focus on ensuring voting is secure and accessible.”

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