In a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld on Thursday two Arizona rules that were implemented in an attempt to increase overall election security.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich celebrated the decision handed down by the court. “I am thankful the justices upheld states’ ability to pass and maintain commonsense election laws, at a time when our country needs it most.”
JUST IN: #SCOTUS rules in favor of Arizona's election integrity protections in 𝑩𝒓𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒗 𝑫𝑵𝑪. I am thankful the justices upheld states' ability to pass and maintain commonsense election laws, at a time when our country needs it most.
More: https://t.co/9DWbcMJ0Ci pic.twitter.com/qDbFXlY1iv
— Mark Brnovich (@GeneralBrnovich) July 1, 2021
Originally, a lower court in San Francisco ruled against Arizona in Brnovich vs. Democratic National Committee, arguing the rules discriminated against minority voters..
The measures aim to limit the opportunity to commit voter fraud and strengthen the integrity of the state’s elections.
Specifically, one provision prevents the use of third-party ballot harvesting — a practice that allows political operatives and others to collect voters’ ballots and submit them to polling stations in large numbers.
The other policy requires election officials to throw out ballots cast in the wrong precincts. Supporters argue this measure prevents individuals from voting in multiple locations.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the majority opinion for the case. He identified the added measures as “modest burdens.” But, the laws did not violate any constitutional provisions. Further, the group rejected the notion that the move creates a disproportionate burden on minority voters.
The move was celebrated by individuals across the state of Arizona.
AG Brnovich continued, “Big win for election integrity today. #SCOTUS justices ruled states have authority to pass and maintain laws that prevent voter fraud and safeguard election integrity, such as our protections regarding ballot harvesting and out-of-precinct voting here in Arizona.”
Big win for election integrity today. #SCOTUS justices ruled states have authority to pass and maintain laws that prevent voter fraud and safeguard election integrity, such as our protections regarding ballot harvesting and out-of-precinct voting here in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/no6x6EXmV7
— Mark Brnovich (@GeneralBrnovich) July 1, 2021
“Great decision out of the Supreme Court today upholding Arizona’s voting laws,” candidate for Attorney General Lacy Cooper added.
“Arizona law generally makes it very easy to vote.” But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have some reasonable requirements for voting to ensure the integrity of our elections! Great decision out of the Supreme Court today upholding Arizona’s voting laws. https://t.co/rALZyt45oW
— Lacy Cooper (@lacy_cooper) July 1, 2021
Many argue that the foundations laid in this ruling may be used in additional challenges to voting laws throughout the country.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
