Judge rules audit group must turn over documents showing policies and procedures

PHOENIX — After efforts to keep how and what methods they're using to conduct work on behalf of Arizona Senate Republicans a secret, and out of public records, Cyber Ninjas must turn over documentation to show how they're operating.

Maricopa County delivered its election equipment and 2.1 million ballots cast in November's election to Veterans Memorial Stadium so Republicans in the state Senate can recount the ballots and audit the tabulation machines. The recount is now in its sixth day.

Judge Daniel Martin ruled Wednesday the company currently leading an effort to recount nearly 2.1 million ballots cast in Maricopa County in November, and take a look at election equipment must turn over documents laying out procedures and policies being used to conduct the work, to be included in public court documents.

The ruling comes after attorneys for Cyber Ninjas refused to disclose the information, despite a court order Friday. Instead, attorneys submitted a 13-page argument that asked for a seal on records that provided those details, claiming they contained confidential information, trade secrets that belong to the private company, and that the information is protected by legislative privilege.

According to the new order, Cyber Ninjas must turn over the information by 12:00 p.m. Thursday.

Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon:

- When will work on the voting machines begin?

“The digital acquisition of forensic images from the voting machines is almost complete and is expected to be complete today. The analysis of those will require several weeks to complete. The results will be part of the final report.”

- What is Cyber Ninjas’ experience with election audits?

“What’s important to remember is that Cyber Ninjas is the coordinating firm of four companies conducting components of the audit. In each component, the company administering that work has election experience in that area. Each member of our team has been part of election audits, including Cyber Ninjas, which was part of election audits in Michigan and in Georgia.”