A significant administrative error in Arizona’s voter registration system led to uncertainty over the voting rights of nearly 100,000 residents in upcoming state and local elections. This issue prompted legal action and raised concerns about voter access in a key battleground state.
The error incorrectly registered almost 100,000 voters as having provided proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required for state and local election participation in Arizona. The glitch primarily affects voters who obtained Arizona driver’s licenses before October 1996.
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While not affecting federal election voting, including the 2024 presidential race, the issue could exclude affected voters from state and local contests, potentially impacting crucial state races and a ballot measure on abortion rights.
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer discovered the error. He asked the state Supreme Court to stop Secretary of State Adrian Fontes from providing full ballots to the affected voters. Richer argues those voters should get federal-only ballots.
Arizona faces a critical deadline as it prepares to send its first ballots to military and overseas voters on Saturday, Sept. 21.
“We’re hoping the Supreme Court will act swiftly once we get our response in to the lawsuit that’s been filed,” Fontes said. “And under that guidance, then we can move forward, in conjunction with all Arizona elections officials.”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered the Motor Vehicle Division to rectify the error. She also initiated an independent audit of Arizona’s voter registration systems.
