Four Directions Requests Secretary Hobbs Extend Arizona’s Ballot Receipt Deadline
October 5, 2020
Media Contact: OJ Semans email: tateota@hotmail.com cell: 605-828-1422
Phoenix, AZ – A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals three Judge panel will hear oral arguments in an expedited appeal in the matter of Yazzie v. Hobbs (2020), on October 13. Four Directions, Inc., working with Navajo voters, requested the expedited appeal in the matter of extending Arizona’s ballot receipt deadline.
“Secretary Hobbs knows that Native American ballots are rejected at eight times the rate of other ballots in Arizona elections. Still, she continues to defend Arizona’s ballot receipt deadline,” said OJ Semans, executive director of Four Directions, a National native-led voting rights group.
“Navajo Nation voters do not receive their full measure of opportunity in voting,” said Semans. “Plaintiffs, bravely calling Secretary Hobbs to account, are entitled to the same opportunity to vote as other Americans. It is disheartening the Secretary’s actions delay equal opportunity for Native American voters, choosing instead to defend an outdated and tilted electoral playing field. I hope Secretary Hobbs re-evaluates the law, the facts, and what is in her heart prior to having her attorneys continue to fight to keep voting unequal for the Navajo Appellants”.
The plaintiffs presented evidence rural tribal voters have far fewer options than other Arizona voters when voting by mail and to return their ballots.
The 2020 AZVoteSafe Guide for Native Americans (https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/AZSOS_2020_Native_American_Vote_G uide.pdf) from the Secretary signals the disparity exists and states“ your best option is to return your voted ballot to any early voting location in your county, or any other designated drop-off location in your county,” rather than relying on mail service. The Guide also contradicts earlier guidance from the Secretary with “recommended last day to mail back a ballot is October 27, but if you live in a rural area with slower mail service, you should build in more time.”
Secretary Hobbs also argues that an “emergency” in the Navajo Nation members appeal to the 9th Circuit is the fault of the native voters, arguing the ballot receipt deadline has been in place since 1998. “It is the same argument we have heard before – if we want equality, we should move off our reservations,” said Semans. Semans added “Is this a renewed call by Secretary Hobbs for the relocation of Native Americans from reservations to cities that occurred in the 50’s and 60’s. Although removed, we returned and we are here to stay, so I pray Secretary Hobbs’s understands this and agrees to provide the brave Members of the Navajo Nation the relief they seek.”
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs ’response to the Court is due on Wednesday, October 7. For updates on the appeal, all court documents can be found on the Four Directions website.
