Illegal Immigrants may be able to vote in Arizona election

Arizona state law requires voters to provide proof of citizenship to vote.
Federal law does not have a citizenship proof requirement. Applicants can 'swear' to their citizenship but don't have to show identification.
A watchdog group is suing with concerns over voter fraud in the federal election.

Federal Versus State: Proof of Citizenship is Not Required to Vote in National Election

Maricopa County is being taken to task over its voter identification laws, pitting state law against federal law.

Citizens voting in Arizona state elections are required to show proof of citizenship, but not on the federal form. Watchdog groups are concerned. | Canva

When voting in Arizona, voters are required to show proof of their identity and citizenship. However, the rules regarding federal elections are a little different, and citizens and watchdog groups are concerned about this loophole.

The federal voter registration form allows individuals to swear they're U.S. citizens but doesn't require proof. Anyone who uses the federal form to register to vote in an election, like the presidential race, won't have to provide explicit documentation that proves they are citizens.

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This voter registration loophole has citizens and groups around the state alarmed and they worry this will lead to voter fraud by allowing illegal immigrants to vote.

Proof of Citizenship Required for Voting in Arizona State Elections

The Arizona state registration form requires documentation of citizenship, and if it's not provided, the application is rejected.

The decision has gone back and forth in the courts. A watchdog group filed a lawsuit to have th decision overturned. | Canva

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Arizona was using the state form as a requirement for voters in all elections, but a recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that requirement. Many fear this may lead to illegal votes being cast in the upcoming federal election.

Watchdog Group Fighting the Decision

The watchdog group America First Legal filed a lawsuit against Maricopa County. The lawsuit is taking the county task over the failure to remove illegal immigrants from the county's voter rolls.

Voters can 'swear' they're citizens, but don't have to show proof on the federal form. | Canva

America First Legal says they're taking action to sue Maricopa County "for unlawfully permitting illegal aliens and foreign citizens to interfere in the 2024 election." The group says the county is in direct violation of Arizona state law and could influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.

READ: Arizona Voters Want Something Done About the Border NOW

With the election looming, the decision by the 9th Circuit Court could cast doubt on those who vote in this election. If the outcome is close, this could kick off the same type of voter challenges seen in the previous election.

Showing proof has been called a "common sense measure." | Canva

Requiring proof of citizenship to vote has been called 'a common-sense measure’ that limits the election to only those who are legally entitled to cast ballots do so.

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