Small group of Republican lawmakers oppose remote voting during legislative session Ryan Randazzo, Arizona Republic The rift in the Republican party regarding the pandemic response became apparent quickly in the Senate on Monday after the niceties of being sworn in and introducing guests concluded. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, opposed passing rules on procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic because the rules allow lawmakers to vote remotely from their offices. “This is a sacred institution what we have here, the Legislature. And I care about the integrity of the vote here at the Legislature,” she said. She added that she didn’t feel she had enough opportunity to chime in on the rules. She said she had the same concerns with the procedure rules as she has with the emergency declaration made last year regarding the pandemic in the state.