By Mary Jo Pitzl | Arizona Republic
A dispute between two high-profile state officials that could affect political candidates and voters in upcoming elections is now in the hands of a judge.
At issue is an online system that allows voters to sign candidates’ nominating petitions electronically, rather than on paper. Secretary of State Katie Hobbs plans to take it offline on March 11 so county elections officials can align voters with new boundaries for legislative and congressional districts. The new political districts also will affect precinct boundaries, which must be in place in time for local spring elections.
But in taking down the E-QUAL system, Hobbs’ office cuts a month off the timeframe for gathering petition signatures online. Attorney General Mark Brnovich has threatened to pursue civil, and possibly criminal, charges against Hobbs if she follows through on her plans. In turn, Hobbs went to court to try and block Brnovich. E-QUAL stands for electronic qualification.
The case, which was argued Wednesday before Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Joan Sinclair, has political overtones. Hobbs is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor; Brnovich is in a competitive GOP primary for U.S. Senate.
