(DailyChive.com) – The Republican Party of Arizona has filed a lawsuit against Governor Katie Hobbs, arguing that two of her executive orders unlawfully changed state election laws. The lawsuit, led by Arizona GOP chair Gina Swoboda, targets Executive Orders 23 and 25, which were issued by Hobbs in November 2023.
Executive Order 23 designated several state agencies, including the Arizona Department of Corrections, as ballot drop-off locations which is being challenged. Executive Order 25 made these same agencies “Voter Registration Assistance Agencies,” responsible for distributing and accepting voter registration forms.
The lawsuit claims that Hobbs exceeded her legal powers by issuing these orders, which, according to the GOP, violate Arizona’s Constitution. The Arizona GOP argues that the governor overstepped her authority, as the power to create election laws belongs to the state legislature, not the governor. They further claim that Hobbs’ actions interfere with the duties of the Secretary of State, who is responsible for overseeing elections.
In their filing with the Arizona Supreme Court, the GOP is asking the court to block the enforcement of these executive orders. They argue that the orders do not address key issues, like the secure storage of ballots and how they would be delivered to election officials. The lawsuit also seeks a writ of quo warranto, a legal order that would prevent Hobbs from using her authority to alter election laws.
Swoboda called the governor’s actions a “blatant overreach,” while Hobbs’ office dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous.” Liliana Soto, a press aide for the governor, stated that Hobbs was using her legal authority to expand voter access as part of her broader governance efforts. Bo Dul, Hobbs’ general counsel, defended the orders, saying they aim to improve access to voter registration for all Arizonans.
The legal battle now heads to the Arizona Supreme Court, where a decision will be made on whether the governor’s orders are constitutional as the court reviews Hobbs’ authority.
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