Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said Thursday that he will work with the legislature to reform the state's election procedures to prevent election results from being released until all polls have closed.
"There are two issues that have come to light following our elections earlier this week. The first is that people should not have to wait for hours or stand in lines around a city block in order to cast their ballots," Brnovich said in a statement. "Moreover, I want to ensure that all voters who are following the rules have a chance to cast their ballot in a fair and neutral environment."
"People should not have to wait for hours or stand in lines around a city block in order to cast their ballots"
On Tuesday, voters were snaked around buildings waiting hours--some up to five hours--to reach the polling booth to vote. Some even waited hours after the polls technically closed (if you were in line before 7 p.m., you could still vote) and after the winners were projected.
"While I understand the public anticipation and demand for the results, it is problematic if early election returns and projections of winners are broadcast while voters are still in lines at the polls," said Brnovich.
He said he would work with legislators to pass a law preventing election results from being released until polls have closed.
Since Tuesday's election, Arizona leaders have delivered strong statements condemning how the election was run and sympathizing with voters' frustrations. Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell told the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that she accepts "full responsibility" for what happened.
Secretary of State Michele Reagan on Wednesday said she would launch a full-scale statewide investigation into election procedures and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton wrote a letter to the U.S. Justice Department asking for an investigation.
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