Arizona Republican lawmakers demanded that Secretary of State Adrian Fontes publish all public comments on the 2023 Election Procedure Manual on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website to demonstrate his commitment to transparency.
This follows State Representatives Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear) and Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye) requesting that Fontes extend the “extremely short” deadline for public comment on the 259-page manual, which he refused
Fontes released the manual draft on August 1st and set the deadline for August 15th, even though he does not have to produce it to Governor Katie Hobbs or Attorney General Kris Mayes until October 1st.
Montenegro (pictured above, right) and Carbone (pictured above, left) responded to Fontes’ refusal on Tuesday by calling for accountability and transparency in the state’s elections process and for immediate action to rectify concerns over the draft.
According to the lawmakers, although disappointed that Fontes did not extend the public comment deadline, he needs to publish all public comments on the secretary of state’s website to create an open dialogue and demonstrate transparency.
“We are disappointed to learn that you have declined to extend the 14-day public comment period for the draft 2023 Elections Procedures Manual until the end of the month. An extension of the deadline would have provided all stakeholders more time to review your office’s lengthy draft and submit suggested edits designed to ensure that the Elections Procedures Manual complies with Arizona’s laws. Please confirm that you intend to electronically publish all comments on your office’s website to facilitate the continued dialogue on this matter of public concern. Communication and transparency are critical to rebuilding the public’s trust in your office,” the lawmakers said.
