Post by Logan on Feb 5, 2016 19:16:23 GMT -6
PHOENIX -- Republican lawmakers approved a measure Thursday that would make felons out of people who return the early ballots of others to the polls.
The 34-23 House vote, with every Democrat present opposed, was propelled by arguments that the current system is ripe for fraud. Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, also sided with foes
Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, cited testimony from Maricopa County Elections Director Karen Osborne who spoke during a prior attempt to enact this provision. She told lawmakers there have been situations where individuals claiming to be county election workers have gone door-to-door trying to pick up ballots.
"This is a problem,'' he said.
Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, said allowing strangers to take someone's ballot would allow them to decide which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. In fact, he said someone might decide to throw away the ballots of all women.
Read more: azdailysun.com/news/local/house-votes-to-make-ballot-collection-a-felony/article_b2ee2171-d753-5ed1-ab91-4383f2013842.html
The 34-23 House vote, with every Democrat present opposed, was propelled by arguments that the current system is ripe for fraud. Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, also sided with foes
Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, cited testimony from Maricopa County Elections Director Karen Osborne who spoke during a prior attempt to enact this provision. She told lawmakers there have been situations where individuals claiming to be county election workers have gone door-to-door trying to pick up ballots.
"This is a problem,'' he said.
Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, said allowing strangers to take someone's ballot would allow them to decide which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. In fact, he said someone might decide to throw away the ballots of all women.
Read more: azdailysun.com/news/local/house-votes-to-make-ballot-collection-a-felony/article_b2ee2171-d753-5ed1-ab91-4383f2013842.html