April 28, 2021 / Modified apr 28, 2021 7:09 p.m.

Judge rules for transparency in state Senate vote audit, but will not halt the count

Judge also rules senate and Sec. of State Hobbs must come to an agreement for Hobbs to inspect the audit site

Maricopa county superior courthouse Maricopa County Superior Court
Tony Webster

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Martin ordered ballot secrecy and voter privacy procedures the Senate's contractor is using be made public, barring an appeal.

The ruling rejects a request from the audit .company Cyber Ninjas to hide its procedures from the public and the media to "protect trade secrets." The judge said the documents filed by Cyber Ninjas must be made public by noon Thursday.

Wednesday's decision was both a loss and a win for the Arizona Democratic Party. Its lawyers argued the Senate's secrecy put voter privacy at risk and wanted the recount halted or at least the policies made public. Lawyers for the Senate say no voter information is at risk.

The recount is now in its sixth day.

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