(UPDATED)Attorney General Mayes and Secretary Fontes React to Supreme Court Denying Trump’s Attempt to Control Mail-In Voting

Score a victory for Democracy today.

The United States Supreme Court denied Trump’s Fascist Regime’s attempt to use the Postal Service to control mail-in voting.

Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas conveyed that they were willing to allow Trump’s authoritarian move to control the mail-in voting process.

No surprise there. Those Justices appear not to have seen a Fascist idea they did not like.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh sided with the majority despite agreeing with Thomas and Alito because there would not be enough time, with the midterms less than two months away, to implement the Trump dictate.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes issued statements supporting the Supreme Court’s decision.

Attorney General Mayes wrote:

“A MAJOR win for the rule of law at SCOTUS in our case, blocking the USPS rule on mail-in ballots. The federal government has no authority to upend how elections are run weeks before voting starts.”

Secretary Fontes conveyed:

“I am thankful that SCOTUS saw Trump’s executive order for what it was: a disgusting overreach from the federal government. By ruling against it, SCOTUS has effectively ruled in favor of American Democracy.”

“Arizona knows best that mail in voting is not only secure, but one of the easiest ways to expand access to voting, increase participation in our elections, and ensure that every eligible voter in the state can vote. For decades, Arizona’s mail-in voting system has served the vast majority of voters each election season. As our country’s executive office continues to attack elections, it is crucial for us to continue rejecting the notion that access and security are mutually exclusive when it comes to running strong elections.” 

“I am glad that SCOTUS has made the decision that removes voting roadblocks and continues allowing Arizonans to vote in the way that best fits their schedule. This decision also removes the unnecessary burden that changing USPS rules would put on election workers who have already been preparing for months to ensure the election goes smoothly,” said Fontes.”

Arizona Senate Democrats released a joint statement that read:

“Today is a big win for democracy. The Supreme Court made abundantly clear what the Constitution clearly states: that the President does not have the power to upend state election laws.

The message for Arizona voters is simple: nothing changes. You can still receive and return your mail ballot under Arizona law, just as voters have done for decades.

The President is not a king and cannot throw out a proud history because it will help him electorally. He is not able to stifle the vote of millions of Americans just because he is afraid of their voice in the midterm elections.

The decision comes after election officials raised concerns that implementing significant new requirements so close to the election would disrupt ballot delivery. This decision matters regardless of whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent. Mail voting has long been used by Arizonans across the political spectrum, and voters deserve an election system that is stable, predictable and accessible.

Make a plan. Get informed. Sign up for ballot alerts. Vote early. And most importantly, know that your right to vote by mail in Arizona remains in place.”

Again, today is a great day for American Democracy.

But the battle may not be over yet.

Mail-in balloting is safe for 2026.

But the battle for preserving that voting option for 2028 and beyond may be just starting.

More reasons to adopt safe and secure policies to vote via the Internet.