In a move to prevent delays in the 2024 presidential election results, courts across U.S. battleground states are taking decisive steps to accelerate election-related lawsuits. This week, Arizona’s Supreme Court introduced new procedures aimed at swiftly resolving disputes that could affect the November 5 election outcome.
On Tuesday, Arizona’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer ordered trial court judges to prioritize cases involving election challenges, ensuring any litigation is processed with ample time for appeals. This includes potential disputes over vote recounts and the selection of presidential electors.
“Giving judicial priority to these cases is critical during a presidential election,” Chief Justice Timmer stated in the order.
Arizona, along with six other battleground states, is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the presidential race between Republican former President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Legal experts predict a surge of litigation on Election Day, with both parties already filing numerous lawsuits over voting procedures and ballot counting.
This follows a similar legal landscape from the 2020 election, when Trump and his allies launched over 60 lawsuits to challenge results, though none succeeded. This election cycle, Trump’s supporters have raised concerns over mail-in ballots, potential noncitizen voting, and other alleged election irregularities.
Arizona is not alone in its proactive approach. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in August, altered its rules to ensure election-related appeals are resolved within three days, and Michigan’s courts have introduced streamlined processes for handling election disputes quickly.
“These new measures are designed to ensure that any litigation regarding the presidential election concludes before the federal certification deadlines for electors,” said James Gardner, a professor at the University at Buffalo School of Law.
With the memory of the contentious 2020 election still fresh, courts in these critical states are preparing for another potentially high-stakes legal showdown, ensuring timely rulings and the security of the election process.\
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