A Associated Press investigation revealed 182 cases in which there were enough problems that officials referred them for further examination. Only four cases have resulted in charges so far, which includes those that were identified by a separate state investigation. One person has never been convicted. There was no double counting of votes.
Although it is possible that more cases will be filed, these numbers show the absurdity of Trump’s claim that Arizona fraud and irregularities cost him votes. Out of the 3.4 million votes cast, Biden received 10,400 more votes than Trump.
“The truth is that election officials throughout the state are invested in helping ensure the integrity and confidence of our elections,” stated Katie Hobbs (a Democrat), Arizona Secretary of State. “Part of that means we must take potential voter fraud seriously.”
Arizona’s possible cases illustrate another reality: Voter Fraud is often bipartisan. Two of the four Arizona cases that led to criminal charges involved Democratic voters, while two involved Republicans.
AP’s review confirms statements made by many state election officials, as well as some Republican county officials and GOP governors. Doug Ducey — Arizona’s presidential election result was valid and secure.
Arizona’s GOP-led Senate continues to conduct what it calls a “forensic audit”, of results in Phoenix’s Maricopa County. This effort was discredited by election experts, and has faced bipartisan criticism. However, some Republicans, including Trump have suggested that it will uncover evidence for widespread fraud.
Adrian Fontes (Democrat), who managed the Maricopa County Election Office during the 2020 election, said that “this is not a huge issue.” He lost his reelection bid. It is a fabrication that has been built over time. It has been propagated by conspiracy theorists.
After submitting public records requests to all Arizona counties, the AP compiled a list of potential cases. Most of the 15 counties reported that they had not forwarded any potential cases to local prosecutors. Most cases so far have involved people trying to vote for their deceased relatives or those who attempted to cast two votes.
