Legal Action Taken Against Maricopa County for Not Removing Non-Citizens from Voter Rolls

America First Legal Files Lawsuit Against Maricopa County

Maricopa County in Arizona is facing a lawsuit from America First Legal (AFL). The lawsuit is directed at the county recorder, Stephen Richer, for his alleged failure to remove non-citizens from the county's voter rolls.

Details of the Lawsuit

The legal organization AFL, which was established by former senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller, filed the lawsuit against Richer and Maricopa County. The suit was filed on behalf of the Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona and a registered voter who is also a naturalized citizen. The lawsuit accuses Richer of refusing to verify the citizenship of voters registered in the county.

AFL's Demand to Arizona Counties

On July 16, AFL sent letters to all 15 counties in Arizona. The organization demanded that election officials adhere to state and federal laws by ensuring that non-citizens are unable to vote. They also warned of possible legal action if these demands were not met by the following week.

Richer's Response and AFL's Counterclaim

Richer responded through his legal counsel, asserting that he is abiding by the law by verifying the citizenship of voters. However, AFL disputes this claim, stating that voter rolls have seen an increase in the number of registered voters without confirmed citizenship under Richer's supervision. They also claim that databases that could confirm voters' citizenship have not been accessed.

Violation of State Law

AFL has accused Richer of violating state law by not conducting the monthly list maintenance necessary to verify the citizenship status of registered voters who have not provided proof of citizenship. In Arizona, registered voters who cannot provide proof of citizenship are only allowed to vote in federal elections, not state elections.

Increasing Number of Registered Voters Without Proof of Citizenship

The lawsuit alleges that the number of registered voters without proof of citizenship has risen from 21,595 in April to 26,108 in July. "Maricopa County, in direct violation of state law, is refusing to remove illegal alien voters from the rolls," Miller stated on Tuesday. He further declared, "We are taking decisive action: suing Maricopa County for unlawfully permitting illegal aliens and foreign citizens to interfere in the 2024 election."

Bottom Line

This lawsuit raises significant questions about the integrity of voter registration processes and the enforcement of citizenship verification laws. It highlights the importance of ensuring that only eligible citizens are able to participate in the democratic process. What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Do you think it's a necessary step to ensure fair elections, or is it an overreach? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.