Longtime Maricopa County Voters to Receive Urgent Proof of Citizenship Requests

Around 83,000 longtime residents of Maricopa County will soon receive letters notifying them that they must provide proof of citizenship to maintain their eligibility to vote in state and local elections.

This mailing arises from a state error that requires each Arizona county to inform affected voters about the citizenship verification needed under state law. For nearly two decades, the state failed to collect such documentation during voter registrations, a fact revealed by the Secretary of State’s Office last summer.

While other counties have already initiated this communication, Maricopa County opted to wait until after the May city elections. This delay has contributed to inconsistencies in how counties are addressing these issues. A recent Votebeat analysis highlighted the varying approaches among counties, prompting Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to seek guidance from Attorney General Kris Mayes on ensuring equal treatment for voters moving forward.

As early voting approaches for the July 15 special primary election in the 7th Congressional District, the lack of clarity remains. Mayes has yet to issue her opinion, while six counties with voters in this district will distribute mail ballots and open early-voting locations on June 18. However, some voters may encounter registration suspensions or obstacles when attempting to update their records, complicating their voting experience.

In Maricopa County, officials have maintained the status of affected voters, ensuring they won’t lose their eligibility before the election. Nevertheless, voters must present citizenship proof to the Recorder’s Office within 90 days of receiving the letter, or risk being limited to voting in federal races only.

The group impacted primarily consists of residents who obtained their Arizona driver’s license before October 1996 and registered to vote after 2004, including those who moved across county lines. The state identified over 200,000 voters in this category who had been allowed to vote a full ballot without providing proof of citizenship, placing the onus on county officials to rectify the situation.

Many voters expressed confusion upon receiving notifications about the citizenship requirement. A recent Votebeat survey revealed that numerous individuals were unaware of the state error, prompting concerns regarding the legitimacy of the letters. Some even speculated that the letter might be part of a broader national effort to target noncitizens.

In response to the influx of calls, county recorder offices have reported a mix of reactions. Pima County spokesperson Michael Truelsen noted that while many callers are appreciative, a significant number are understandably upset.

The situation is further complicated by a new state law requiring elector registries to reject applications without citizenship documentation. This ambiguity has led various counties to interpret eligibility in different ways, with some stopping affected voters from updating their records. Officials in Maricopa and Pima have assured voters that there will be no changes to voting eligibility before the upcoming congressional primary.

In contrast, Pinal County has begun suspending registrations of affected voters attempting to update their records without providing necessary documentation. They intend to reactivate registrations upon receiving proof but have yet to disclose how many voters have faced suspensions. Yuma County is similarly navigating this issue; affected voters must respond to requests for citizenship proof or their records may remain outdated, potentially affecting their ability to vote.

The discrepancies in voter treatment may continue until Mayes offers her guidance, leaving numerous voters in limbo regarding their electoral status. Voters can verify their registration status at my.arizona.vote. Affected individuals are encouraged to contact their county recorder’s office for assistance.