The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that nearly 98,000 people whose U.S. citizenship has not been confirmed will be allowed to vote in the upcoming state and local elections. This decision comes after a software error revealed that the citizenship status of 100,000 registered Arizona voters was uncertain.
The error affected individuals who obtained their driver’s licenses before October 1996 and subsequently received duplicates before registering to vote after 2004. It was discovered during routine voter roll maintenance, and while no evidence suggests anyone was trying to vote illegally, the error sparked debate between Arizona’s Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and the Republican Maricopa County recorder Stephen Richer.
Fontes maintained that these individuals should be allowed to vote, while Richer argued they needed to provide documented proof of citizenship. The dispute eventually reached the state Supreme Court, which ultimately sided with Fontes, allowing the voters to cast their ballots.
This decision is significant as it comes at a time when Arizona Republicans and conservative groups are pushing for stricter voting measures that require proof of U.S. citizenship. Arizona is also a swing state that voted blue in the 2020 presidential election, making these elections crucial for both parties.
The ruling highlights the ongoing debate about voter eligibility and the need for accurate voter registration systems. While the software error was unintentional, it raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities and the importance of maintaining reliable data.
