Federal Judge Declines Jurisdiction in Arizona ‘Fake Elector’ Case

Background:

Following the 2020 presidential election, several individuals submitted false Electoral College certificates (fake electors) in an attempt to overturn the results in favor of Donald Trump. One such case was filed in Arizona.

The Case:

The lawsuit was brought by Mark Finchem, the Republican nominee for Arizona Secretary of State, and other fake electors against the Arizona Secretary of State and the members of the state's Board of Canvassers.

The plaintiffs argued that the defendants had violated their rights under the Electors Clause of the U.S. Constitution by refusing to certify the fake electors. They also claimed that the defendants had engaged in a conspiracy to deprive them of their votes.

The Ruling:

On July 19, 2023, U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi dismissed the lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction. He ruled that the court did not have the authority to review the defendants' actions because the Electors Clause gives exclusive authority to Congress to determine which electors are valid.

Judge Liburdi also rejected the plaintiffs' conspiracy claims, finding that there was no evidence to support them.

Significance:

The dismissal of the Arizona 'fake elector' case is a significant victory for the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process. The ruling confirms that courts do not have the authority to interfere with the Electoral College's process for selecting the president and vice president.

The case is also a reminder that there are serious consequences for those who attempt to undermine the electoral process. This ruling sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated.