BREAKING: In Major Voting Rights Decision, U.S. Supreme Court UPHOLDS Arizona's Ballot-Harvesting Ban

 (This is a breaking news story. Please check back for further information.)

In a major voting rights decision for the entire country, the U.S. Supreme Court today UPHELD Arizona's so-called ballot harvesting ban and its out of precinct voting rules. 

Here's the link to the opinion. (Published below.)

The Justices split along political ideological lines. Justice Samuel Alito delivered the majority opinion, and Justice Elena Kagan wrote the dissenting opinion and was joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer.

Our article about the oral arguments in March has an explanation of the case and some background. And here is a great thread from election law Professor Rick Hasen.

The long and winding road of this case started back in 2016, a couple of years after the Supreme Court had freed Arizona and other states - those that had had a history of discrimination against minority voters - from pre-clearing new laws through the U.S. Department of Justice. Arizona passed a ban on turning in early ballots from people not in your family, and the Democratic party challenged it. 

That challenge was paired with another 2016 case challenging Arizona law throwing out the entire ballot when cast Outside Of the voter's Precinct ("OOP"). Both disproportionately impacted Arizona's minorites, the Democrats claim.

It is even the second time that the high court has weighed in on this case. Days before the 2016 election, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a 9th Circuit decision that struck down the so-called ballot harvesting ban.

"AZ Law" includes articles, commentaries and updates about opinions from the Arizona Supreme Court, U.S. Supreme Court, as well as trial and appellate courts, etc. AZ Law is founded by Phoenix attorney Paul Weich, and joins Arizona's Politics on the internet. 

AZ Law airs on non-profit Sun Sounds of Arizona, a statewide reading service that provides audio access to printed material for people who cannot hold or read print material due to a disability. If you know someone who could benefit from this 24/7 service, please let them know about member-supported Sun Sounds. And, YOU can donate or listen here. 

Previous episodes of AZ Law can be streamed or downloaded here, or wherever you get your podcasts.