A lawsuit filed this week claims that Arizona’s 15 counties are failing to comply with laws requiring the removal of noncitizens from the voter rolls. The case was brought by the Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona and Yvonne Cahill, with legal representation from America First Legal (AFL) and attorney Jennifer Wright.
According to the lawsuit, election officials have neglected their duty to ensure the removal of foreign nationals from voting lists. “This lawsuit seeks to restore public trust in our State’s electoral system by holding the Defendants accountable for their failures,” the complaint states.
Initially filed against Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, the lawsuit has now been expanded to include all 15 county recorders. Plaintiffs argue that Richer and other election officials have ignored their obligations under the law to ensure only eligible citizens remain on the voter rolls. While Richer’s office claims they are committed to maintaining accurate voter rolls, the plaintiffs are not convinced that enough is being done.
The issue focuses on voters who register for federal elections without providing documentary proof of citizenship, known as “Federal-Only Voters.” In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states must allow these individuals to vote in federal elections, but state law requires proof of citizenship for state races.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to enforce the existing laws and ensure that the counties make reasonable efforts to remove ineligible voters from the rolls.
