Arizona Supreme Court declines emergency request to extend ballot ‘curing’ deadline
The Arizona Supreme Court has declined an emergency request to extend the deadline for curing ballots in the state. This decision comes after a lawsuit was filed by the Arizona Democratic Party and several individual voters seeking to extend the deadline for voters to fix issues with their ballots, such as missing signatures or mismatched signatures.
The deadline for curing ballots in Arizona is currently 7 days after the election, which this year falls on November 10th. The plaintiffs argued that the deadline should be extended to allow voters more time to correct any issues with their ballots and ensure that their votes are counted.
In their ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court cited concerns about the impact of extending the deadline on the election process and the need to maintain the integrity of the election. They noted that changing the deadline could lead to confusion among voters and potentially delay the finalization of election results.
This decision has sparked controversy among election officials and advocates for voter rights. Some argue that the current deadline is too restrictive and could disenfranchise voters who may not have been aware of the curing process or who face challenges in rectifying issues with their ballots in a timely manner.
On the other hand, opponents of extending the deadline point to the need for certainty and finality in the election process. They argue that changing the deadline could open the door to legal challenges and undermine the legitimacy of the election results.
Overall, the decision by the Arizona Supreme Court to decline the emergency request to extend the ballot curing deadline highlights the complex and contentious nature of election laws and procedures. As the election draws near, it is crucial for voters to be aware of the deadlines and requirements for curing their ballots to ensure that their voices are heard in this critical election.