Groups Suing Over Arizona Law Dictating How Candidates Appear On Ballot

Published: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 - 10:35am

Democrats are challenging the way candidates are listed on the Arizona ballot. Under state law, 2020 Republicans will be listed ahead of Democrats in 11 of the state’s 15 counties.

Some groups, including the Democratic National Committee, are suing over the state law, saying the statue illegally dilutes some people’s votes. They cite research showing that people tend to vote for the first candidate on the list.

But attorney Kory Langhofer, who represents Republican state lawmakers, disagrees.

"The important thing here is the government allows them to vote for whoever they want," said Langhofer. "If you're qualified to vote, you show up you get a ballot. If you're qualified to run for office, your name is printed on the ballot or you can run as a write-in."

Potentially complicating matters, the challengers have not identified anyone who has actually been harmed by the law. A hearing is set for March. 

Politics