A critical review of voter registrations in a pivotal swing state aims to fortify election integrity, but concerns about possible disenfranchisement have emerged.
At a Glance
- Arizona collaborates with DHS to scrutinize voter citizenship statuses.
- AFL’s lawsuit prompts DHS verification request in some counties.
- Concerns over voter roll maintenance ahead of 2024 elections.
- Debate on impact of purging ineligible voters on election fairness.
Arizona’s Strategic Move with DHS
Arizona counties are partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure their voter rolls are clear of ineligible voters. This collaboration involves verifying the citizenship status of registered voters, a move aimed at preserving the integrity of upcoming elections. The action follows a lawsuit filed by America First Legal, leading to a settlement that endorses the need for DHS verification.
Maricopa County, in particular, has taken charge of this initiative, sending out communications to DHS to validate voters without Documentary Proof of Citizenship (DPOC). According to Arizona law, registered voters must be U.S. citizens, and those without DPOC are limited to voting in federal races.
The SAVE Act and Criticisms
The Republican-led House passed the SAVE Act, adding new federal citizenship proof requirements for voter registration. While designed to curb potential voting fraud, critics argue that widespread voter fraud evidence is lacking, and the new measures could create barriers for some Americans to exercise their right to vote.
“There’s often the rhetoric that Democrats want noncitizens on the list… There’s not a Republican election official out there that wants to take an eligible voter off the list…” – David Becker.
In North Carolina, the removal of 750,000 from voter rolls has sparked controversy, especially given the timing before the 2024 elections. Similar actions are characteristic in various Republican-led states, prompting tension with Democrats over potential disenfranchisement.
Broader National Context
Across the nation, states like Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, and Ohio are undergoing voter roll maintenance, focusing on purging ineligible voters. These efforts include removing individuals like deceased persons, relocated citizens, and non-citizens, aligning with state laws.
“We’re extremely concerned about the chilling effect this has on registered voters generally speaking, and particularly newly naturalized citizens.” – Kate Huddleston.
Though purging processes are undeniably necessary for maintaining accurate voting lists, the fear of unintentional disenfranchisement looms large. Especially among newly naturalized citizens or those flagged without due cause, the process sparks worry about being wrongfully barred from elections.
