Arizona Supreme Court Orders Prioritization of Post-Election Litigation
The Arizona Supreme Court issued an administrative order on Tuesday requiring all trial court judges in the Grand Canyon State to prioritize post-election cases, in anticipation of an onslaught of litigation related to the upcoming election.
The order says that “any superior court judge assigned to a contest or other action concerning the outcome of the 2024 general election is to give priority to adjudicating the action.” The order also mandates that any appeals regarding rulings on presidential electors must be filed no later than 1 p.m. on December 6 — a timeline that “prioritizes timeliness where presidential electors are involved, given the proximity to the state General Election canvass scheduled for November 25, 2024.”
“This administrative order is a proactive step to ensure that our elections process remains unimpeded by unnecessary delays,” Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) said in an emailed statement. “The Supreme Court has effectively set a precedent that escalates resolution of cases involving our presidential electors.”
In the past few election cycles, Arizona emerged as an epicenter of election-related legal battles, with former president Donald Trump and other Republican candidates spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation in their attempts to overturn election results. With the anticipation of more legal battles in the aftermath of the upcoming general election, the state’s highest court is trying to ensure they get resolved in a timely manner.
“By setting a firm deadline for appeals, the Supreme Court has made certain that all electoral disputes are resolved ahead of Electoral College deadlines, maintaining Arizona’s commitment to safe, fair, and secure elections,” Fontes added.