PHOENIX – A conservative organization has informed Arizona officials about its intention to monitor ballot drop boxes in the upcoming November election. The group plans to identify individuals they believe are voting illegally. This move has raised concerns similar to those that arose two years ago when right-wing groups started keeping an eye on some drop boxes, despite no evidence of widespread electoral fraud.

The Arizona Republic reported on Friday that officials from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) sent a letter on August 15 to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Attorney General Kris Mayes, expressing their desire to discuss setting guidelines for monitoring drop boxes with Democratic officials.

During the 2022 midterm election, reports of individuals, some armed, monitoring drop boxes in Maricopa and Yavapai counties in Arizona led to concerns from local and federal law enforcement. A federal judge even ordered them to keep their distance from voters.

Some of the monitors were associated with the far-right group Oath Keepers, and their actions, including taking photos and videos and following voters, led to allegations of voter intimidation. Fontes and Mayes’ offices criticized the recent letter from CPAC, stating that it lacked good faith. They pointed out that conservative groups had fueled distrust in U.S. elections’ integrity.

In response, Fontes’ spokesperson emphasized the need for CPAC to acknowledge their role in election skepticism. Mayes indicated a willingness to collaborate only if CPAC acknowledges the fairness of Arizona’s electoral process.

CPAC’s chairman and vice chairman expressed intentions to address right-leaning voters’ skepticism about elections by monitoring drop boxes in select Arizona counties. They proposed guidelines such as maintaining a distance limit around the boxes, prohibiting weapons, and ensuring monitors do not resemble law enforcement or political partisans.