Tucson Standard

Arizona State Senator Justine Wadsack (R-17) has initiated an investigation into the Pima County Recorder’s Office after discovering potential violations related to vote-by-mail procedures that could have affected thousands of southern Arizona voters. The investigation centers on alleged irregularities surrounding the county’s online portal for early voting, which was reportedly shut down a week before the October 25 deadline.

According to press release, the allegations involve a sequence of events where the Pima County Recorder’s office, headed by Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, is accused of canceling thousands of pending vote-by-mail ballot requests already submitted through the online portal. Voters were then directed to request early ballots by phone, facing significant wait times. According to Wadsack, these actions may have compromised Arizona election laws and have the potential to suppress votes in the affected counties.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes, voters have the right to request an early ballot in various ways, including online. When news emerged that the online portal had been abruptly shut down, Wadsack expressed immediate concern about the consequences for voters in Pima County who had expected to vote by mail.

“I was truly shocked to learn our County Recorder's Office had done this,” Wadsack said, according to the press release. “These actions are absolutely unacceptable, undermine the integrity of our elections, and raise serious questions regarding voter suppression. This has affected my current constituents and my community, and I want to make sure their votes are protected as well as votes for all candidates involved.”

In a letter sent to the County Recorder’s office, Wadsack requested comprehensive documentation related to these actions, citing specific provisions of Arizona election law that mandate county recorders accept both verbal and written requests for early ballots and fulfill these requests within 48 hours. The letter further requested detailed explanations for how many ballot requests were canceled, the authority behind these cancellations, and wait-time statistics for calls made to the office between October 19 and October 25.

This request comes amid ongoing scrutiny of election processes across the nation, as voter accessibility and procedural transparency remain under the spotlight. Wadsack emphasized the need for accountability, calling for answers within five business days to ensure prompt corrective action if necessary.

“I’m here to make sure there's accountability for the laws that appear to have been broken,” Wadsack added. “My message to voters is to get out today and vote in person to ensure your vote is not suppressed.”

Sen. Justine Wadsack represents District 17, a role she has embraced with a focus on fiscal responsibility, border security, and upholding election integrity. A member of the Republican Party, Wadsack has been a vocal advocate for parental rights in education, limited government, and safeguarding constitutional freedoms. Her background includes extensive community involvement and advocacy for conservative values in Arizona’s state legislature.