Arizona counties face lawsuit over noncitizen voter roll purge

A federal lawsuit has been filed by America First Legal against Maricopa County and 14 other counties in Arizona, alleging that they are failing to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls as required by law. The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls to ensure the integrity of elections, particularly with the upcoming 2024 Presidential election. Arizona law mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, yet the number of registered voters without confirmed citizenship continues to rise, raising concerns among the public. The lawsuit was initiated after AFL sent a letter to county officials in July, urging them to take action against illegal voting. The organization argues that election officials have a legal obligation to utilize federal databases to verify the citizenship of registered voters. Despite these requirements, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has reportedly ignored the necessary actions to comply with the law, leading to the lawsuit's escalation. Public sentiment reflects a growing concern about election integrity, with a significant percentage of Arizonans believing that cheating could influence the outcome of future elections. Surveys indicate that many voters suspect noncitizens may be illegally registered, contributing to a lack of confidence in the electoral process. The lawsuit aims to compel counties to adhere to their legal responsibilities and restore public trust in the electoral system. The case has been moved to federal court, where it will be examined under federal law. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for voter registration practices in Arizona and the overall integrity of elections in the state.