Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes reacts to Court Decision Upholding Voter Protection Provisions in the 2025 Elections Procedures Manual

July 10, 2026

PHOENIX – Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes released the following statement in regard to Winn et al. v. Fontes et al.:

“We are encouraged by the court’s decision to protect Arizona’s voters by affirming the majority of provisions included in the 2025 Elections Procedures Manual intended to prevent voter harassment and intimidation.

There was a time in America when voting took extraordinary courage in the face of insurmountable obstacles. Women, Native Americans, and countless others fought for the simple right to cast a ballot. Today, every eligible citizen has that right protected by law and no one should feel intimidated for exercising it.

That principle is not just a matter of history. In 2022, Arizona voters reported being photographed, followed, and confronted by masked individuals in tactical gear near ballot drop boxes. The situation became serious enough that a federal judge issued an order restricting conduct that intimidated voters and requiring armed participants to remain hundreds of feet from ballot drop boxes.

Those events demonstrated why reasonable voter protections matter.

The Elections Procedures Manual was drafted to provide clear guidance to election officials while helping ensure that polling places and voting locations remain places where voters can focus on one thing: making their own decisions. We fully support every Arizonan’s First Amendment rights. At the same time, every eligible voter has the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation, harassment, or coercion.

Today’s ruling affirms that the overwhelming majority of those common-sense protections are lawful and appropriate. That is good news for Arizona voters and for the dedicated election officials who work to administer elections fairly, securely, and professionally.

Whether an Arizonan chooses to vote by mail or vote in person, they should be able to participate in our democracy with confidence that their rights will be protected. Defending both free speech and every voter’s right to cast a ballot without intimidation is not a partisan issue. It is a fundamental responsibility of election administration, and we will continue to uphold that responsibility for every Arizona voter.”