In Arizona, a registered voter can challenge the nomination of a candidate for public office.  To do so, the registered voter files an action in the local county Superior Court challenging the validity of the candidate’s petitions.  If successful, a “petition challenge” can result in a prospective candidate’s name being removed from the election ballot.  Due to the technical and expedite nature of the proceedings and the important impact on the election process, these are highly contested actions that require an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of election law.

Scott Williams has been actively involved in election cases since 1996. Mark Zinman has participated in election law since 2004. The firm has represented candidates running for many Arizona public offices, including Governor, State Legislature, Corporation Commission, Justice of the Peace, Constable, and School Board. Scott has prosecuted and defended numerous election cases before the Arizona Supreme Court. Many of these election cases have become Arizona law such as in the published cases of: Moreno v. Jones, 213 Ariz. 94, 139 P.3d 612 (2006) and Powers v. Carpenter, 203 Ariz. 116, 51 P.3d 338 (2002).

Scott has also represented Maricopa County in election matters.  In 2004, Maricopa County retained Scott to represent the Maricopa County Attorney on all campaign finance complaints and actions involving persons seeking the Office of Maricopa County Attorney. In addition, Maricopa County retained Scott to prosecute an election contest involving a candidate for Justice of the Peace.

If you are a candidate running for elected office and have been sued to remove your name from the ballot or you are a voter wishing to challenge the validity of a prospective candidate, please contact our office regarding representation.