Arizona Court Blocks Citizenship Verification for Federal-Only Voters Ahead of Election

Gavel and scales of justice on wooden surface.

An Arizona judge has blocked efforts to verify the citizenship of 42,000 federal-only voters just weeks before the November 5 election, sparking concerns about election integrity.

At a Glance

  • U.S. District Judge Krissa Lanham rejected a lawsuit seeking citizenship verification for federal-only voters
  • The ruling comes despite a 2022 state law mandating cross-checking of voter registrations
  • Arizona requires proof of citizenship for state elections but allows sworn statements for federal elections
  • The judge cited timing and lack of legal standing in her decision
  • Plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling

Judge Blocks Citizenship Checks for Federal-Only Voters

In a decision that has raised eyebrows among election integrity advocates, U.S. District Judge Krissa Lanham has rejected a request to verify the citizenship of approximately 42,000 voters registered only for federal elections in Arizona. The ruling, issued just weeks before the crucial November 5 election, has intensified the ongoing debate between ensuring voter access and maintaining accurate voter rolls.

The lawsuit, filed by an Arizona voter and the conservative group Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona, sought to enforce a 2022 state law requiring cross-checking of voter registration information with government databases. However, Judge Lanham, a Biden nominee, cited the proximity to the election and insufficient legal standing of the plaintiffs as reasons for denying the request.

Arizona’s Dual Voter Registration System

Arizona’s unique voter registration system requires proof of citizenship for state and local elections but allows individuals to vote in federal elections by merely swearing they are citizens, without providing concrete proof. This dual system has been a point of contention, with critics arguing it could potentially allow non-citizens to participate in federal elections.

“A judge has rejected a request to require Arizona’s 15 counties to verify the citizenship of some 42,000 voters registered only to vote in federal elections in the presidential battleground state, concluding those who sought the checks made their request too close to the Nov. 5 election and didn’t have legal standing.” – AZPM

The plaintiffs, represented by America First Legal, an organization led by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, argued that county officials should consult federal authorities to verify citizenship, rather than relying solely on database checks. They plan to appeal the ruling, emphasizing the importance of ensuring only eligible citizens are on the voter rolls.

Larger Voter Registration Issues in Arizona

This case is separate from another ongoing issue involving approximately 218,000 voters who were mistakenly allowed to vote in all elections due to a database error. The error affected individuals with driver’s licenses issued before 1996, which were not considered valid proof of citizenship under current regulations.

“They (the plaintiffs) have not made a clearcut showing of harm, nor that the action they request is feasible in the midst of a general election,” U.S. District Judge Krissa Lanham wrote in an order issued Friday.

Despite the error, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that these 218,000 voters would be allowed to participate in all races for the 2024 general election. This decision has further complicated the state’s efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls while ensuring broad voter access.

Implications for Future Elections

The rejection of the citizenship verification request and the ongoing issues with voter registration accuracy in Arizona highlight the challenges faced by election officials in balancing voter access with the integrity of the electoral process. As the 2024 election approaches, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of political and legal discussions in the state.

America First Legal, which is run by former Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller and represents the plaintiffs, said in a statement Tuesday that the appeal effort was made “to demand potential illegal aliens and noncitizens are lawfully removed from the Arizona voter rolls.” – Source

With the plaintiffs planning to appeal Judge Lanham’s decision, the matter of citizenship verification for federal-only voters in Arizona remains unresolved. As the legal battle continues, election officials, lawmakers, and voters alike will be closely watching for developments that could impact the integrity and accessibility of future elections in this key battleground state.

Sources:

  1. Arizona counties won’t be forced to do citizenship checks before the election, a judge rules
  2. Arizona Counties Won’t Be Forced to Do Citizenship Checks Before the Election, a Judge Rules
  3. Arizona counties won’t be forced to do citizenship checks before the election, a judge rules
  4. Arizona counties won’t be forced to do citizenship checks before the election, a judge rules
  5. Arizona counties won’t be forced to do citizenship checks before the election, a judge rules
  6. US Supreme Court partly revives Arizona’s proof of citizenship voter law

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