By AZ Capitol Times
Republican lawmakers are moving to hobble the ability of the attorney general to force county supervisors to do what courts have said is their job – certify election results.
Legislation awaiting a full House vote would legally bar Kris Mayes – and whoever succeeds her – to bring criminal or civil charges against any county supervisors who refuses to vote for the formal canvass based on a “good faith belief” there are issues that “materially affect the integrity or accuracy of the election results.”
But HB 440 actually is broader.
It would allow supervisors to avoid legal liability for balking at certification if they have any “documentation or other evidence” that suggests “potential irregularities or errors in the election process.” More to the point, within that definition are not just official reports but also sworn affidavits and “expert testimony.”
