Priorities USA Wins Appeal in Arizona Ballot Order Case

April 08, 2022

Today, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the plaintiffs in Mecinas v Hobbs, including Priorities USA, have standing to bring a suit against Arizona’s unfair ballot ordering practices. A district court had previously ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the case. Along with Arizona voters, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Priorities USA challenged Arizona’s ballot order practice which requires that candidates of the same political party of the previous gubernatorial winner of a specific county must be listed first on general election ballots in that county. The challenge argues that this practice, rather than listing candidates alphabetically or randomly, gives candidates listed first an unfair advantage. In response to this victory, Priorities USA Deputy Executive Director Aneesa McMillan, who leads votings rights for the organization, issued the following statement:

“I am grateful that the Ninth Circuit fairly examined the facts and the law to determine that this case could move forward. Arizona voters deserve to have their voices heard fairly and equally at the ballot box and this case is a crucial part of making that a reality,” said Priorities USA Deputy Executive Director Aneesa McMillan. “It is critical that Arizona voters have confidence in the fairness of the electoral process, regardless of who is in power. As officials across the country cast doubt on the integrity of our elections, Priorities USA is fighting in the courts to ensure that every American can cast their vote with confidence in the process. This victory is a major step forward to ensure that Arizona elections are free of any partisan bias, regardless of who holds the governor’s office.”