Arizona Court Allows 98,000 Voters with Database Error

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that nearly 98,000 residents with unconfirmed citizenship status can vote in upcoming state and local elections due to a database error discovered recently. This ruling follows a disagreement between Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Republican Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who requested judicial intervention. The court sided with Fontes, emphasizing that disenfranchising these voters would violate principles of due process and equal protection, particularly with the November 5 election approaching. The error affected voters who registered before 2004 and obtained driver’s licenses before October 1996. The decision may significantly impact closely contested legislative seats in the state, which requires proof of citizenship for non-federal elections. Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer stated that county officials lack the authority to alter the voters' status, as those affected had attested to their citizenship under penalty of law.