Arizona judge declines GOP request to block mail voting

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - An Arizona judge has declined a request by the state Republican party to block most mail ballots for the 2022 election, preserving the voting method used by the overwhelming majority of voters.

A Mohave County Superior Court Judge ruled that nothing in the Arizona constitution prohibits the legislature from allowing citizens to vote by mail.

The case is the latest piece of a multi-pronged effort by the Arizona Republican party to roll back a system of no-excuse absentee voting.

Arizona is among the states with the highest levels of mail voting - a system that has grown overwhelmingly popular with voters from both parties as well as independents.

Striking down those laws would have had major implications for the 2022 election in the state.

The Republican party said in a statement late Monday that it is exploring its next steps, including a possible appeal.