Rep. Steve Montenegro’s legislation proposing that  machines cannot be used to conduct elections unless 100% of the parts and components are produced in the United States met Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto stamp this week.

The Goodyear Republican’s bill also would have required  the machines themselves are manufactured and assembled in this country.

The measure was opposed by many lawmakers who argued that there are currently no such devices on the market.

Montenegro, who called his proposed requirements a matter of national security, did not dispute that. He said that's why the legislation was not set to take effect until 2028 and would not outlaw those machines already in place.

And Montenegro said he was convinced that manufacturers, facing the mandate, would find ways to comply.

Hobbs was unconvinced.

"This bill could create a situation where Arizona's election administrators are no longer able to procure certifiable voting and tabulating equipment,'' she wrote. "It should be clear how catastrophic that would be for the successful administration of elections in Arizona.''

She was not alone. Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Phoenix, called it the "Field of Dreams'' of election bills.

"We're essentially saying, 'If we require it, they will come,' '' she said.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.