Arizona Election Audit Challenge

Lawsuit brought by the Arizona Republican Party (AZ GOP) against Maricopa County, Arizona challenging Maricopa County’s hand count audit process during the 2020 general election. The AZ GOP argued that the county’s decision to conduct a hand count audit by vote center instead of by precinct violated the state’s Election Procedures Manual. They asked the court to force Maricopa County to conduct a new audit by precinct. On Nov. 19, 2020, The Superior Court of Arizona dismissed the case, finding the AZ GOP’s claims meritless.

On April 20, 2023, the Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the Superior Court’s decision. The three-judge panel concluded that the AZ GOP had brought a a meritless claim and that the trial court judge was right to dismiss their complaint.

On August 8, 2023, The AZ GOP appealed the case to the Arizona Supreme Court. Oral argument was held on March 14, 2024.

RESULT: On May 2, 2024, the Arizona Supreme Court reversed part of the trial court judge’s decision to award the Maricopa County attorney’s fees. This decision does not affect the merits ruling and the plaintiffs’ claims remain dismissed.

This case was one of the lawsuits former President Donald Trump and his allies brought in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Last updated: May 2, 2024 1:07 pm EST