Pinal County Elections Certified, Cavanaugh Disrupts Meeting
VIA SBINSIDER REPORTING | August 13th, 2024
In an unprecedented display of conflict, Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh lashed out at Board Chairman Mike Goodman for not allowing Cavanaugh to present a “study” of statistical anomalies related to his crushing loss in the July 30th election for Sheriff.
The Board of Supervisors met for what was supposed to be a pro forma meeting to ratify the canvass (the results of voting in the July 30th primary). However, as discussion by the board followed a presentation by Recorder and Elections Director Dana Lewis, Cavanaugh attempted to introduce his “study” to the rest of the board. Goodman was having none of it and ruled that Cavanaugh could not present his document at that meeting. Cavanaugh persistently and at times stridently called for a “point of order” in his continued attempt to get his way.
The board then voted on the canvas and it was approved unanimously with Cavanaugh requesting that his vote was a Yes under duress.
Cavanaugh again tried to introduce his study but the other board members supported Goodman in saying no and eventually newly-re-elected Supervisor Steve Miller called for an adjournment, which then happened.
Legally, the canvass had to happen and now the law gives anyone 5 days to challenge the results. If Cavanaugh thinks he has a case, he has a window of time to present it. Cavanaugh has already called upon Attorney General (D) Kris Mayes to investigate his version of anomalies. There has been no response from that office and no AG staff was in evidence at the board meeting.
Dana Lewis Report
Before the canvass was certified by the Board, Dana Lewis, County Recorder and Elections Director, made a presentation on the election. A highlight was the data on turnout presented:
- Lewis told the board 77,591 people voted, a turnout of 25.52%.
- More than 44% of registered Republicans voted, followed by 36% of registered Democrats.
- Just over 62% of all those who cast ballots voted early.
