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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Advocates Cheer Ruling Allowing ‘Virtual Voting’ in Nov. 3 Election

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Thursday, October 8, 2020   

PHOENIX -- A court ruling has opened the opportunity for Arizonans who are isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic to use a video call to vote in the November elections.

The decision will allow persons in hospitals or nursing homes who are unable to cast their vote in person to videoconference with their county's special elections board, which will assist them by marking their choices, then certifying and submitting their ballot.

Dana Kennedy, state director for AARP Arizona, has been a staunch advocate for nursing home residents' rights during the pandemic.

She said she doesn't see why anyone would consider it a problem.

"We were actually a little surprised when, all of a sudden, this became the political fight," Kennedy remarked. "Everybody was willing to embrace technology when families couldn't visit their loved ones in facilities. So why is it that we wouldn't want to embrace technology to basically help people vote?"

Attorney General Mark Brnovich sued after Gov. Doug Ducey sent a letter opposing "virtual voting," claiming it is not allowed under Arizona law.

But a state Superior Court judge disagreed, ruling federal law requires "reasonable accommodations" for voters with disabilities.

Normally, a bipartisan "special elections board" team would visit an isolated voter in person and assist them with filling out their ballot. But the Centers for Disease Control's pandemic guidelines suggest vulnerable elderly persons avoid outside contact.

Kennedy contends that makes video assistance more important than ever.

"We need to make it as easy as possible for the residents in long-term care facilities to be able to exercise their right to vote," Kennedy stressed. "Many of them have chronic conditions, and this may be their very last election. And we need to make sure that if they want to vote, that they're able to vote."

Only 44 people voted by video in Arizona's primary elections this year, but a record turnout is expected in November.

Requests for "virtual voting" must be made by Oct. 23. For information, contact your local county recorder's office or the Arizona Secretary of State elections division.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Disclosure: AARP Arizona contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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