Results of Arizona’s presidential preference election could be appealed
Mar 31, 2016, 3:48 PM | Updated: 3:50 pm
(AP Photo/Michael Dinneen)
PHOENIX — Arizona is in the process of certifying results from the state’s presidential preference election, but a lawsuit could come shortly after approval.
An appeal could already be in the works, as an attorney representing Bernie Sanders’ campaign is considering legal action. His campaign expressed concern that an unknown number of provisional ballots were thrown out.
On Tuesday night, people waited in line for 5 hours to vote. We don't know how many didn't get to cast their ballots. This is unacceptable.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 24, 2016
Sanders also referenced the hourslong wait to vote in the election, a situation that Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan has apologized for and is investigating.
Under Arizona law, an appeal can only be filed within five days of the secretary of state certifying the results, Deputy Attorney Colleen Connor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said.
An appeal would have to fall under one of five specific categories.
“Three involve a challenge against specifically a candidate elected,” Connor said. “There are two other categories: Misconduct by an election board or illegal votes being tabulated.”
The appeal could only be filed after Reagan certifies election results on Monday. If the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors delayed its results, it would in turn delay Reagan.
There is no case law in Arizona that provide grounds for an election to be contest based due to long wait times at the polls. Connor suggested it is possible that an attorney could get creative and find a reason to appeal the results.