mcsally provisional challenge 111014

8/10/2019 Mcsally Provisional Challenge 111014

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CiJYiricI'1.Snencllrcrlt W.ioltrt )CourtncyIleir I PAN #66615)SNlrl-t,&WIOne South Church Avenue, Suite 1500Tucson, Arizona8570 1 - 1 630 LITe.lerpltonc: s20) 882-1200 L.ri'i

c.henson w,colnAttorneys forPlaintiff

JEN lifiedelectorand and ArizonaCon

Ptaintiff,

v,

BRADNELSON,Pima CountYElectionDirector,

Defendant.

SUPEzuOR COURTOI1 'TI{ESTATE OF ARIZONA

COTJNTYOF'PIMA

No C3014 o?VERIFIEDSPECIALACTIONCOMPLAINTF'OR INJUNCTIVE,MANDAMUSANDDECLARTORYRELIEF'

For her Special ActionComplaintfor Declaratory,Mandamus, and Injunctive

Relief(the "Complaint"),Plaintiffalleges as follows:

THEPARTIES

l. PlaintiffJennifer Rawson ("Plaintiff')is a qualiledelector ancl taxpayerofpima Countyand voted forcandiclate Martha Mcsallyin ArizonaCongressional District2

in the Nvember4, 2014 general election,Plaintiffhas standing to bringthis action

because, if.the Courtdoes not act to prevent vote dilutionand possible fraud,there willbeno mechanism by whichinvalidprovisional ballotscouldbe challenged for violationsot

Arizonalaw.

2. Def-edantllradNelson ("the .Elections l)rector")is the Pima CountyElectionDirectorand acted under colorof law.

NOvI 0 2014


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JURISDICTIO

3. This Court has jurisdictionatArizonaConstitution and A.R.S. $$ 12-123

2021, et seq. and Rule 1 of the Rules of Spec4. A justiciablecontroversy exists because, withoutCourt intervention,the

ElectionsDirectorstands to violate the rights of Plaintiffunder the U.S. Constitution,the

Arizona Constitution and Arizona statutes and willsuffer immediate inuryand loss of

rights.

GENERLALLEGATIONS

5, This actiol arises out of the Elections Director'santicipated prooessing andcountingof an unknown amount of challenged provisionalballots by the Pima County

Elections l)epartment

6, Upon infbrmationand belief, the Elections Directorreceived the PimaCounty provisionalballots on or shortlyafter ElectionDay.

7, Upon infbrmationand belief, each provisionalballot was appended with aprovisional ballot form, in triplicate,on which variousitems of informationshould have

been inputted. One such required piece of informationwas the pollworkeL'ssignatute,

which is requireclon the provisionalform inorder to substantiate whichworker processed

the provision ballot at the pollingplace. See Exhibitl.8, Upon informationand belief the Electious Depafiment separated the white

and yellowcopies of each provisionalballot f'orm and transmitted those forms to the Pima

County Recorder's Officefor verification.'I'he pinkcopy ol the provisionalballot form

remained appended to the provision ballotat the Eleotions Department.

g, Upon processing the provisionalballot forms, the Recorder became awarethat a significantnumber of provisional ballot forms had not been counter-signed by aPirna County AgthorizedPoll Worker, as required by A.It.S.$$ l6-452,16-513, and the

State of ArizonaElectionsProcedures Manual (Rev. 20|4)(the Disputed Ballots ).

10. Despite receipt of a formalprotest, the Recorder relised to temporarily/)


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segregate those Disputed Ballotspending furtherlegal advice. See Exhibit2.

1L Upon informationand belief,the Recorder continued to verif,provisionalballotformswsre not co-signed in accordance withArizonalaw, ancl furtherrellsed to

halt transmission any previously-verif,redDisputed Ballotsto the ElectionsDirector',feed.

1,2. Upon informationand belieflthe Pima CountyRecorder's Officehas nowcogrpleted all provisional ballotprocessing, makingthe ElectionsDirectorthe solegovernmentofticialwiththe responsibilityto halt furtherprocessingof the Disputed

Ilallots.

13. Upon inl'orrnationand belief,despite the clear failureto complywithArzonalaw, the ElectionsDirector-beginningMondaymorning,November10,2014-inteds to direct his staff to marry the yellowprovisionalballotformswiththeircorresponclingpinkprovisionalballotforms,which,in turn, willclear the way for those

Disputed Ballotsto be counted through the elections tabulatingequipment in the next few

hours.

14. Plaintiffwillbe irreparablyharmed should this occur, because there is nomechanism to trace or clawback those particularvotes once the Disputed Ballotsare fed

through the elections tabulating equipment.

15, Should the Elections Directortabulate the Disputed Ballots,PlaintifPsvotein the contest for CongressionalDistrict2, and other ofces on the general election ballot,

willbe dilutedand negatecl by the DisputedBallotsto such an extent that her chosencanclidate,MarthaMcSally,may not be declared the winner,and because the integrityof

the electionwillbe compromised.

16. Should the ElectionsDirectortabulate the DisputedBallots,it willbeirnpossibleto match up the DisputedBallotsback w:iththe correct documentationreflectinga lackof a signature on the provisionalballotformand ensure that voter fraud

has not occurred.

17. If the ElectionsDirectoris permittedto process the l)isputedBallots,

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irreparable harm willresult to Plaintif,and allsimilarly-situatedvoters in Pima County'

l B. By failingto reject the Disputed Ballotsas illegaland invalid,the ElectionsDirectorhas:

A. Failed to perform dutiesrequired by law as to whichhe has nodiscretion;and

B. Proceeded and is threatening to proceed withoutor in excess of hisjurisdictionor legalauthority.

COUNTI(42U.S.C,S 1983: INJUNCTIVERDLIEFFOR VIOLATIONS\- or nnBnalEQUALPROTECTIONRTGHTS)

. Allpriorallegationsare incorporatedby reference'20. A.R.S.$ 16-452(A)provides the ArizonaSecretary of State shall

promulgate anElectionsProcedures Manual that shall have the force and efect of law

withrespect to the procedures forearly votingand voting,and of producing, distributing

collecting,counting,tabulating, and storing ballots. See also A'R.S.S 16-513 (requiring

allelections to be conducted in accordance withthe Elections Procedures Manual).

2L Failureto cornplywiththe ElectionsProcedures Manualis a Class 2misdemeanor. See

$16-452(C)'

22. Page 152 of the ElectionProcedures Manual(Rev. 2014)mandates that apollworkermust sign the provisionalballotform before (1) providingthe alleged voter

a provisionalbaltotand (2) depositing the provisional ballotenvelope in the ballotbox.

23. The provisional ballotformmust be signed by the pollworkerto ensure thatproper identificationwas received and that the alleged voter is onlyreceivingaprovisionalballotforan authorizedreason, thereby preventingpotentialelectoral

misconduct.24. The requirementfora pollworkersignature also ensures that a particular

provisionalballotcan be traced to a particularpollworker,whichis another procedure

intended to prevent electoralmisconduct.

25. If the provisionalballot form is not properlycompleted,the provisional

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ballot at issue should be rejected. See Elections Proceclures Manual, pg. 186,

26. All polling places in Pima County are required to follow the Manual'srequirement that a provisional ballot form is co-signed by the voter and the poll worker.

27, Upol information and belief, Cochise County (the other oounty comprisingCongressional District 2) counted only provisional ballots that had a form co-signed by a

poll worker, all in accordance with Arizona law'

2t. Without Court intervention, the Elections Director intends to count theDisputed Ballots, in contravention of Arizona law and the standards applied in Cochise

County, thereby depriving the Plaintiff of equal protection of law,

29. If the Elections Director proceeds as intended, he will proximately causeancl continue to cause a violation of Plaintiffs right to equal protection uncler the

Fourteenth Amendment to U.S. Constitution.

30, The Eleotions Director at all times acts and continuos to rct as a state actorand under color of state law,

31. Plaintiff requests that this Court determine and declare her rights andinterests with respect to the Disputed Ballots and consequential vote dilution.

32.Plaintiff therefore has a claim, and is entitled to injunctive relief against the

Elections Director pursuant to 42 U.S.C. $ 1983, for deprivation of federal rights under

color of state law.

33. Plaintiff requests attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to 42 U.S.C. $ 1988.COUNT II

(A.R.S. $$ 12-1801 - 1846: DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTION)

34, Alt prior allegations are incorporated by reference,

35. Under Azona law, a poll worker must sign the provisional ballot formbefore (l) providing the alleged voter a provisional ballot and (2) depositing theprovisional batlot envelope in the ballot box, Any provisional ballot that does not meet

these requirements, therefore, is not eligible to be cast in an Arizona election.

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36. Without Court intervention, the Elections Director intencls to count theDisputecl Ballots in contravention of Arizona law and in violation of Plaintifls rights.

37. Plaintiff requests that this Court determine and declare her rights anclinterests r,vith respect to the Disputed Ballots and consequential vote dilution should they

be counted. There is an actual and justiciable controversy regarding Plaintiff's rights and

interests, and such judgurent or decree will terminate suoh uncertainty and controversy,

38. There is an actual and justiciable controversy that can be resolved by thisCourt entering a declaralory judgment.

39. Plaintiff therefore has a claim, and is entitled to declaratory and injunctivereliet against the Director pursuant to A.R'S. $$ 12-1801 - 1846.

40. Plaintilrequests attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to A,R.S. $ 12-348 andthe private attorney general doctrine established in Arntld v. Ariz. Dep't of Health Serv's.,

160 Ariz. 593,775P.2d 521 (1989) because the rights sought to be vindicated here (i)

benofit alarge number of people, (ii) require private enforcement, and (iii) are of societal

importance.

COUNT III(A.R.S. $$ 12-2021-2030: MANDAMUS AND SPECIAL ACTION RELIEF)

41. All prior allegations are incorporated by reference.42. Pursuant to the Arizona Secretary of State's Election Procedure Manual,

poll worker rnust "sign the provisional ballot form" before (l) providing the alleged voter

a provisional ballot and (2) depositing the provisional ballot envelope in the ballot box.

43. The Elpctions Director is responsible for ensuring the integrity of theelection process.

44. The Elections Director has a non-discretionary duty to only count ballotsthat were voted, processed, and transmitted to the Elections Department in accordance

with Arizona law.

45, Despite protest, the Elections Director does ot intend to perf'orm this non-discretionary duty.

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46. Plaintiffhas no plain, adequate and speedy remedy at law to cotnpelDefendant Elections Directorto complywiththis requirement. Therefore, Plaintiffreqtrests this Court issue a Writof Mandamus pursuant to A.R.S. g 12'2021and Rule I of

the Rules of Procedure for Special Actions to require Defendant reject all of the DisputedBallots.

47. Plaintiffrequests attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to A,R.S. $ 12-2030.PRYERFOR RELIEF

WFIEIEFORE,the Plaintiffdemands relief in the followingfonns:

1. A declaration pursuant to A.R.S. $$ 12-1831 - 1846 that the DisputedBallotsare void for failure to complywithArizona law requiringpollworker must sign

the provisional ballotform before (l) providingthe alleged voter a provisional ballotand

(2)


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DATEDthis l0th day of November, 2014.

SNELL&WILMERL.L.P,

By 4,t-wlp.EricH. SpencerBrett W. JohnsonCourtnev HensonOne Soth Church Avenue, Suite 1500Tucson, Arizona8570 1 -1630Attorneysfor Plaintiff

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VERII{'ICAT'ION

I, Jereifr Fwson, being flrst dulyswom upon his oath, deposes end seys:

I have ead tbe foregoingVerifiedSpecial ActionComplaintand luow the.thereot'.. 'l'he allegations of the Ventied Speciat ActionComplantare true, except

mstters stated therein on inf.bmletionend belief, nich I belie'.'e to be ';e.

rtata: t//I

o/ -il.

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EXHIBIT


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E XHIBIT 2


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Hobbs, Tracy

From:Sent:To:

Subject:

Johnson, BrettW. (PHX)Monday,NovemberI0,2OL47:58 AMHobbs, Tracy

FW: Challenge to ProvisionalBallotForms WithMissingElectionOfficialSignature

Fro m : Ch ri s J Roads lma I I to : Cbris'Boads@re-corder,ol ma, gov]Sent: Sunday, November 09,20L410:37 AMTo: Spencer, Eric; F,Cc; Rcorder-admin; ; Tweeten, Carlie;Jenkins, Amanda;'i ka ucher(o ustl a w, co m

-bect:Rr:challengetoProvisionalBallotFormsWithMissingElectionoffcialSlgnature

lr4r.5pencer,

I have already responded that we willnot stop processng and the reason was clear. Nothingthe Recorder's offcedoes

to the provisional ballotsin anyway, shape, or formirnpacts the identificationof provisionalbailots that rnay or rnay notbe rrrissigpollworkersgnatures. IhereforetheMcSallycampaignwillnotinanywaysufferanyrreparableharnrfromRecorder's Office contnued:rocessin g'

Even when wehave fjnished processing the provisionalbllots, the forms readilyidentifywhether they were sigrred byapollworkerornot.ThereforethereisnolegalreasonwhatsoeverfortheRecorder'sofficetoslopprocessnganyiorms ln our procedures, all formslroma single votingarea must be handed off together, Thereforestoppingprocessing one that may not contain a pollworkersignature result-s in holdingup all forms from that votingarea.

processes at the election department may lvellbe differentand that is where your request shouldhave targeted, not,rhe Recoder,s office.you includedboth and I responded forour oTfice, I have not seen a response fromthe ElectionsOeprtment and I do not knowwhetheror not Brad Nelson is even sittng athis computer to nlonitorthe enlails'

I willnot detate you ny furtheron this issue

Chris RoadsChiefDepulyRecorder/Registrr of Voterst'>irnaCorintyRecorder's OfTice

From: Spencer, EricImailto:[email protected]]SenE Sunday, November 9,20L410:21 AMTo: Chris J Roads; F, AnnRodrlguez; rad,[email protected],oqvCc: Recorder-admln; MErV.l lartnsonOpirna.qo\aOaL;-Ufkowitz@pcaoneSV;Tweeten,Carlie;Jenkins, Amanda;[email protected], nf : Chaltenge to ProvisionalBallotForms WithMisslngElectionOfficialSignature

Importance:Highl,'i i . l(lJi.l{l:.,

Thank you for your response. However,I do not belicve that your response drectlyaddressed the issues raised n ourcha I lenge.


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Fir-t,I woulclliketo clarifytlre response timehorizon. The campaign merely aske'd for crnfirmtonwithin30 minuiesth;tthe.:recorcler'sofficeandelectonsdepartmentintendedtoirnplernenttherequestedprotectivemeasures. Thecampagn certainlydid notexpct the identification,collectionand embargo process to be completedwithin30 minutes.

Seconcl, the campaign did notrequest thet // provisionalballotprocessing cease altogether, as your response appearsto assume, Withrcspect to the recorder's office, the campaign requested:

1, That ny/ufure provisionalballotfound witha rnissingsigrtaturebe rejected as unverified,and set aside pendinga iegal review.This universe could end up being qute small.

Z. Thattherecorclr'soffice,inconjunctionwithpolticalpartyobservers,conductareviewofprevously-verified.rovisionalballr:tskrefore those ballotsare transmitted to the electionsdepartment,

Ths strikes me as a very reasonable and limitedrequest that willnot impede your office'sstatutoryprocessngdeadlines, oncetheballotsnquestionaresegregted,whichagain-couldbeaquitelimiteduniverse-thepartiescanmake a finallegal dctermination.

To confirm, thecampaign is not requestingthatthe recorder's officecease processing validprovisionalballots.

ln lightof these clarifications,and in order to preclude the parties fromhaving to unncessarilyseek special action reliefn Super-ior Court, please confirmwhether the recorder's willirnplementthese targeted protective measures,.

Very trulyyours,Erc Spencer

Eric H.SpencerSnell Wlmr:rt.L.P.One Arizona CenterPhoenix,Arzona B5oo4-2202Office: 602.382.6573esp en cer@ sr,vl aw.co m www,swlaw.conr/erc-spencer

1:r:::*tTtt*ryrDenver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Los Cabos, Orange County,Phoenix, Reno, Salt Lake City, Tucson

From:Chris J Roads InrailtoIChris,[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, November 09,2Ot410:05 AMTo: Spencer, Eric; F. AnnRodriguez; brad,nelson@rirna'govCc: Recorder-admin; Mary,Martnson@nima,oov;Daniel,Jurkowitz(pcao,pma,qov;Tweeten, Carlle;Jenkins, Amanda;ika ucher@ q ustl-aw, co mSubject: RE: Challenge to ProvlsionalBallotForms WithMissingElectlonOfficial Signature

Mr.Spencer,

ln response to your clrallenge, the Pima CountyRecorder's Officewillnot stop processing the provisionalballots.Wheterornotthepollworkersignedtheprovisionalisclearlyidentifiablefromasimpleexamillationoftheprovisionalballolformwhetheror not the prr:visionals proccssed by the Recorder's Office,Therefore our processing

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has no bearirtg s to your challenge. In other worcjs,tlre fact thatwe processed the provisiorlalforn wilnot impactyourabilitytoproceeclwithyourchallenge.TheRecorder'sOfficeisunderastatutorydeadlinetocolpleteprocessingtlre pi^ovisionalballots arrcl lve willcontnuelo proceed towardmeeting that deadline'

pleasenole thatyourextremclyshortdeadlinesforresponsesareunreasonable, UnderArizonalawwehaveareasr.rnablc tinle l:o respond to publicrecords requests and other matters. A deadline of less than 30 nlinutes is far lcs

than rcasottatlle.

BothcanrlidaTes havt: rtiorneyson site in our of ficeobservingour processcs and trackingthe workwe are ooing.

Chris RoaclsChiefDeputy t{ccorder/Registrarof VotersPima CountyRecorder's office

From: Spencer, EricImailto:espencer(swlaw.com]Sent: Sunday, November 9,2014 9:47 AMTo: F, Ann Rodriguez;brad,[email protected]: Recorder-admin; wla-rv,arttnsonOprna.gov;Danel,JurkowitzGlpcao,oima,gov;Tweeten, Carlle;Jenkins, Amanda;[email protected]

SuUear 6hallenge to ProvlslonalBallotForms WithMissingElection OfficialSignature

Importance:High

tVls.Rodriguezand Mr. Nelson,

The Republcan party/McSallylor Congress campaign (collectively"the campaign") formallychallenges the validityof allprovisional ballotsthat have a provsonal ballotform witha missingelection officialsignature.

pagr 15?- of the Selcretary of Slate's ElectionProcedures Manualstates that, priortovotnga provisionalballot:"Anerlectionofficialorvotercompletesaprovisionalbllotform,Thevoterandthe.-glecJionoffiialsienthpgvigionalballotforrn."

Aftervc,tingthe ballol,"[t]hevoter willreturn the sealed envelope to the election official,who wllverfythe envelope s

properly flied out,siened and sealed," ld.Accordngly,the campagn respectfullyrequests the followingmmediaterelief;

The relcorder'sofficcinstruct staff tonot verifyany provisionalballotswitha mssing election offical sgiiatureon ttre provisionalballot form;The recorder's officecease transrnittingany previously-verifiedprovisionalballotsto lhe electir)ns departrrtent,pending a reviewof thc provisionalballot forrnsfor nrissingelectjon officialsignatures;The e ections department cease processing any provisional ballotsortransnrittingany provisionalballots forcounting,pendinga review of the pr


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Snell &WilmerL.L,P.One Arizona CenterPhoenlx, Arizona 85004-2202Oifice: 602.382.6573espen [email protected] www. swl aw, com,/eric-spencer

rrc:ll&.1Viln:cr

Denvr, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Los Cabos, Orange County, Phoenix, Reno, Salt Lake City,ucson

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mcsally provisional challenge 111014

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