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Clinton campaign, DNC sue AZ over voting issues

Posted at 11:32 AM, Apr 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-14 16:20:57-04

The Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's campaign are filing suit against our state following major voting issues during March's presidential primary.

A letter from the Democratic National Committee said the suit, filed Thursday, is "a response to decisions that caused extremely long lines and needlessly disenfranchised voters, especially minority voters, during the state’s March 22 presidential primary election."

According to The Washington Post, Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign is also set to sue Arizona in a lawsuit expected Friday.

In a Thursday statement, Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook said, "We share the concerns of Arizona supporters of both campaigns who encountered barriers and appreciate the DSCC and DNC's willingness to let us join the case as a party."

Voters across Maricopa County were forced to wait several hours to cast their vote on March 22, prompting outrage directed at local officials.

Election officials told ABC15 several things contributed to the problems, including fewer polling locations, voter confusion over pre-registration, and competitive races on both Republican and Democratic sides.

Among those named in the suit are the Arizona Secretary of State, Michele Reagan, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the Maricopa County Recorder, Helen Purcell.

Concerned citizens,  the Arizona Democratic PartyGovernor Doug Ducey, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and Attorney General Mark Brnovich have all asked for answers regarding the long lines voters faced.

The U.S. Dept. of Justice has also is seeking information from the Maricopa County Recorder's Office. 

A letter was sent to Helen Purcell from the department's Civil Rights Division seeking information from the office as to how the March 22 election was planned, and the office's response thereafter. 

The Justice Department, with the information sought, will evaluate whether Purcell's office was in compliance with federal voting rights statutes.