Statement from Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita regarding the concerns surrounding the Nov 3rd election
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita regarding the concerns surrounding the November 3rd election and how she intends to address them in the upcoming legislative session
"Since the election on November 3rd there has been a wide array of reactions to the results, including allegations of voting irregularities, voter suppression and vote tampering, to name a few. Election integrity and confidence in the administration of our elections is of paramount importance to the foundation of our democracy. Many of the concerns regarding the management and oversight of our election system are not new and are issues I have been actively trying to address for the last several years.
As a result of those efforts, Senate President Karen Fann appointed me as Chairman of the Government Committee, which has jurisdiction over elections and election-related issues. I want to take this opportunity to let the public know I have received many of your calls and emails regarding the outcome of the latest election and I understand your concerns. Therefore, in my capacity as Government Chairman, I intend to utilize my committee hearings to allow for ample opportunity to take testimony from stakeholders such as County Recorders, County Supervisors, the Secretary of State’s office, vendor representatives, poll workers and, of course, members of the public.
These are complex issues, requiring significant time and effort if they are to be meaningfully addressed. I look forward to working with my Senate committee members and counterparts in the House to properly vet these issues in a formal, transparent and organized way. Continuing to do things just because that is how they have always been done is not acceptable. Whether it is modernizing our election software and equipment, improving the timeliness of election results, updating our voter rolls, or reducing the opportunity for fraud and undue influence, Arizona voters deserve to have an election system they not only believe in, but want to participate in. Our democracy is only as strong as our fair and free elections and I am committed to restoring public confidence in the process and outcomes of our elections."
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