Arizona Supreme Court Grants Voting Rights to 98,000

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that nearly 98,000 voters, who were incorrectly categorized due to a database error concerning proof of citizenship, will be allowed to vote in all races during the upcoming elections. This decision comes after a legal battle regarding the state's requirement for proof of citizenship to register, which affected voters who obtained licenses before 1996. The court emphasized that the voters should not be penalized for the state's error and that disenfranchising them would be unjust, especially with the November 5 elections approaching. Critics, primarily from conservative circles, argue that this ruling could compromise election integrity by enabling noncitizens to vote, while supporters see it as a win for voting rights, particularly for marginalized groups who faced barriers to obtaining documentation. The ruling reflects ongoing debates about election access and security in Arizona, a state with unique voting laws. Early voting is set to begin shortly, further intensifying the urgency of this ruling.