GOP Group Linked to Trump Takes Legal Action to Uncover 218K Improper Voter Registrations

A conservative organization spearheaded by Stephen Miller, a prominent figure in former President Donald Trump’s administration, has initiated legal action against Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. The lawsuit targets Fontes for withholding identifying information regarding 218,000 voters who were improperly registered due to a glitch in the state’s driver’s license database.

This long-standing technical issue, revealed last month, affects voters who obtained their driver’s licenses before 1996. A significant number of these individuals have been wrongly categorized as having provided proof of citizenship, which is mandatory for voter registration in Arizona.

The database error specifically involves those with pre-1996 licenses who received replacements. Many have been able to vote for years without being asked to demonstrate their citizenship due to a “data coding oversight.”

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the group includes 79,000 Republicans, 61,000 Democrats, and 76,000 registered as “other party.” Voters unable to provide proof of citizenship are restricted to participating in federal elections, following a 2004 ballot measure instituting this requirement.

In light of this issue, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer requested the Arizona Supreme Court to mandate that elections officials issue federal-only ballots to the affected voters. The court held that current state law does not permit county recorders to unilaterally alter registration statuses but acknowledged that challenges to individual voter registrations are allowable.

America First Legal is demanding that Fontes’ office release the necessary voter records by October 7. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona, helmed by conservative activist Merissa Hamilton, and follows a records request related to the registration glitch.

The Secretary of State’s Office responded to the records request, indicating that the data would be accessible for inspection as the law allows but would not be available before the 2024 General Election. Fontes’ office cited concerns over potential public confusion during the ongoing election process.

Miller emphasized the necessity of the lawsuit by claiming it aims to prevent illegal voting, which he labeled a significant threat to election integrity. However, there is no evidence to suggest that any of the affected voters are undocumented immigrants, and studies have shown that voting by non-citizens is extremely uncommon.

Despite requests for further comment, the Secretary of State’s Office reiterated its commitment to verifying voter identities and addressing the issue without placing blame on affected individuals.

Fontes acknowledged that the situation arose through no fault of the impacted registrants, all of whom have long resided in Arizona and affirmed their citizenship. He noted that the issue was exacerbated by the requirements of Arizona’s Proposition 200, implemented in 2004.

Election officials are prepared to reach out to the affected voters after the general election, assuring them that they remain eligible to vote. Governor Katie Hobbs has since ordered an independent audit of the Motor Vehicle Division’s registration system.

This situation arises just weeks before the November 5 election and shortly before the commencement of early voting, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these registration issues.