Payam Javan: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Friday that nearly 98,000 voters, whose proof of citizenship had not been confirmed due to a database error, will be allowed to vote in state and local elections. This ruling follows the discovery that since 2005, a discrepancy in the state’s voter registration system has allowed individuals without the required citizenship documents, as mandated by a 2004 ballot initiative, to vote in all races. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a Republican, had challenged Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, over how these voters should be treated, leading to the court case.

The court sided with Fontes, stating that Richer had not provided sufficient evidence to justify removing these voters from the 2024 election rolls. The court emphasized that county officials lack the authority to alter voter statuses for individuals who have long been registered and attested to their citizenship under penalty of law. The ruling also cited the approaching election, warning against last-minute changes that could disenfranchise a significant portion of voters. This decision is particularly impactful as the nearly 98,000 voters represent about 2.5% of the electorate, potentially influencing the outcome of closely contested races.

Both Richer and Fontes welcomed the court’s ruling. Richer thanked the court for its swift decision and expressed relief that the voters will be able to cast full ballots in the upcoming election. He also praised Fontes for collaborating with him to resolve the database error. Fontes, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the partnership and the positive outcome. The ruling ensures that Arizona’s election procedures remain stable as the state prepares for the 2024 races, preventing last-minute disenfranchisement of voters affected by the long-standing system glitch.