Arizona Senate Leader Reveals Shocking 218K Voters Lacking Citizenship Verification

By Staff Reporter |

Senate President Warren Petersen confirmed on Monday that he has received a list of 218,000 voters registered without proof of citizenship. This figure, significantly higher than the earlier estimate of around 100,000, includes individuals who obtained driver’s licenses prior to the 1996 citizenship requirement and subsequently registered to vote after 2004. For over 20 years, these voters were ensnared in a compatibility error between the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the state’s voter registration system.

Shortly after Petersen’s announcement, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes informed the public that individuals can verify their registration status at my.arizona.vote. The Arizona Supreme Court had ruled in September that these voters could cast a full ballot, addressing concerns raised by America First Legal, which had previously sued Fontes for access to the voter list.

Petersen emphasized, “We will do everything we can to make sure our elections are run with integrity.” His comments followed the judge’s directive requiring the release of the names, which had previously been withheld.

In a press conference, Fontes addressed the implications of the court’s decision. “Every single person on that list has sworn under penalty of perjury that they are a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote,” he stated, highlighting the distinctiveness of Arizona’s proof of citizenship requirements compared to other states.

Fontes reassured voters that they should not face harassment regarding their citizenship status. He asserted that any intimidation against the 218,000 voters would be legally actionable. “If anyone does do this sort of thing, please contact our office or your local law enforcement agency,” he urged, condemning voter harassment as a violation of the law.

Moving forward, Fontes announced that his office would reach out to county recorders regarding the voters on the list in the coming days. He indicated that the office would attempt to collect the necessary proof of citizenship later in the year.

However, he advised the affected voters against immediate contact with local election officials, citing the busy election period. “You are under no obligation whatsoever to provide documented proof of citizenship if you’re on this list,” he stressed.

Fontes expressed dissatisfaction with the court order, attributing the scrutiny on the 218,000 voters to what he described as “lies and conspiracies” from individuals questioning election integrity, which he characterized as harmful to democracy.