News Summary
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has expressed significant worries over President Trump’s recent actions, which could jeopardize the integrity of the 2026 elections. Trump’s proposals to end mail-in voting and his push for a national emergency declaration have raised alarms among officials, who argue these moves lack constitutional backing. Fontes emphasizes the need for bipartisan legislation amid rising fears of disenfranchisement linked to Trump’s executive order, which is already facing legal challenges from multiple states.
Arizona – Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has raised serious concerns that President Donald Trump’s recent actions may be aimed at canceling the 2026 elections. Fontes has pointed to Trump’s calls to end mail-in voting as part of a broader and potentially “dangerous” pattern that threatens the integrity of electoral processes in the state and beyond.
Fontes highlighted the possibility that Trump might attempt to declare a national emergency as a means to justify halting elections. This concern stems from a series of actions by Trump, including an executive order related to election administration and public statements urging the Department of Justice to target election officials more aggressively. Critics argue that these moves could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Trump recently posted on social media platform Truth Social, announcing his intention to stop mail-in ballots and his commitment to signing executive orders aimed at ensuring “HONESTY” in the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections. However, Fontes stated that there is no constitutional basis for Trump to eliminate mail-in ballots since states have the authority to determine the “time, place, and manner” of their own elections.
According to Fontes, Trump’s assertions regarding his authority over election procedures lack a solid legal foundation. He emphasized that the executive order Trump signed earlier this year has already prompted a lawsuit from Democratic attorneys general in 19 states who allege that the order attempts to infringe upon state control of elections, a move that they warn could cause “imminent and irreparable harm.” The executive order includes provisions requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and modifications to mail ballot requirements.
Arizona law already mandates proof of citizenship for voting in state and local elections, thereby exempting the state from joining the lawsuit regarding that particular provision. Nonetheless, both Fontes and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes have criticized Trump’s executive order as unconstitutional and a significant overreach into state rights issues.
The lawsuit against Trump argues that his order seeks to regulate elections without Congressional approval, which infracts on the constitutional powers that are exclusively granted to the states. It specifically emphasizes the need for legislation shaped through bipartisan agreements rather than unilateral actions by the executive branch.
In this ongoing controversy, Trump’s executive order is perceived by some as a partisan attempt to fortify election integrity. Conversely, there exists a growing apprehension among voters about potential disenfranchisement linked to these changes. Under Arizona law, mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, and alterations to existing requirements could significantly impact the handling of ballots.
An ironic remark made by Fontes suggested that if Trump believes he possesses the competence to enforce this order, he would require more than just legal advice—implying that a substantial overhaul of election protocols is needed. Moreover, Democratic leaders are pursuing additional lawsuits against Trump’s executive order at the federal level, citing a number of constitutional concerns tied to voter registration and election administration.
The unfolding events highlight a larger national debate regarding voting rights and election integrity amidst persistent partisan conflicts. The landscapes of electoral policies continue to evolve as state officials, legal experts, and political leaders grapple with the implications of actions taken by the former president. As concerns mount in Arizona and across the country, the discourse around these issues remains critical leading up to the next election cycle.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
