RNC, Arizona GOP Sue State Over Overseas, Nonresident Voter Law

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Arizona Republican Party (AZGOP) have filed a lawsuit against Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes challenging a state law that allows certain U.S. citizens who have never lived in the United States or Arizona to register and vote in elections. The lawsuit argues that this law violates the Arizona Constitution's residency requirement and dilutes the voting power of lawful Arizona residents. The law, which extends provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to state elections, permits overseas voters with a registered Arizona parent to cast ballots without providing proof of citizenship directly to the state. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley accuses Democrats of attempting to undermine election integrity by enabling non-residents to vote, framing the lawsuit as part of a broader Republican strategy to secure election integrity and challenge overseas voting access. Arizona has become a focal point of election disputes, with prior legal battles involving voter eligibility and allegations of election irregularities dating back to the 2020 presidential election. The lawsuit reflects ongoing partisan conflicts over voting rights and election laws in Arizona, with the Republican side emphasizing constitutional residency requirements and election integrity concerns.