AFPI sued Arizona over free speech and election integrity; Gets another big win

WASHINGTON, D.C – In a significant victory for election integrity and free speech, a federal district court in Arizona granted both motions for preliminary injunction in the America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) challenge to the provisions of Arizona’s Election Procedures Manual (EPM). AFPI challenged the EPM’s speech provision as a blatant violation of the First Amendment.

The problematic speech provision makes it a crime to engage in expression that falls under protected free speech, such as simply wearing a red hat or carrying a purse that says, “Voting should be easy, but hard to do.” cheat.” AFPI and Co-Counsel Holtzmann bird claim that no government official has the authority to override the Constitution and that the speech provision is unlawful.

The court agreed and stated:

“Given the widespread controversy surrounding elections, one would hope that those ultimately responsible for disenfranchisement and suppression of speech are the very election officials whose job it is to ensure fair and accurate elections. But according to the plaintiffs, that is exactly what is happening here.”

The other provision challenged by AFPI was described by the judge as “likely unprecedented in the history of the United States.” [Arizona] The Secretary of State has virtually the authority to disenfranchise potentially millions of Arizona voters.”

“We welcome the Arizona court’s decision, which will prove to be a major victory in protecting free speech,” he said Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General and Chair of the AFPI Center for Litigation. “The right to free speech is one of the most revered privileges granted to us by the Constitution, and any government attempts to undermine that right must stop immediately.” We believe this victory in Arizona furthers that mission to fulfill.”

“This decision is a huge win for free speech, transparent elections and common sense,” he said Ken Blackwell, Chairman of the AFPI Center for Election Integrity. “The freedom to cast your vote is nothing if the government can simultaneously take away your freedom of speech. The Court recognized this, and the America First Policy Institute welcomes the Court’s decision in our favor and we are renewing our efforts to ensure we hold fair elections in Arizona.”

Read a copy of the court order here.

Learn more about AFPI’s litigation efforts here.

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