186 foreign nationals were found on the Arizona voter roll but have now been removed
Arizona Removes Nearly 200 Foreign Nationals from Voter Rolls
Arizona recently discovered that nearly 200 residents on its voter rolls were foreign nationals and therefore ineligible to vote, according to a new report by the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF). The report, published on Tuesday, revealed that 186 noncitizens residing in Pima County have been “involuntarily purged” from the state’s voter registration lists since 2021. Shockingly, seven of these foreigners appear to have cast ballots in federal and local elections.
The analysis conducted by PILF also provided more detailed information, including the party affiliations of the noncitizens. Out of the 186 individuals, 108 did not have a party affiliation, while 46 were registered as Democrats and 28 as Republicans. Three were registered as independents and one as a Libertarian.
The report further highlighted that approximately 65 percent of the records came from political parties and group drives, indicating a more varied range of party affiliations among the registrants in Pima County.
A separate report released by PILF last year found that Arizona had also removed 222 foreign nationals from Maricopa County since 2015. Among these individuals, nine allegedly cast 12 ballots in federal elections.
These findings raise concerns about Arizona’s voter registration processes and the potential for registering foreign nationals to vote. While the state requires proof of citizenship for state elections, a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision prevents the implementation of such a requirement for federal elections. As a result, individuals who cannot provide proof of citizenship can only participate in federal elections using a federal-only ballot.
The report also emphasized the problems associated with policies like automatic voter registration and granting driver’s licenses to illegal aliens, which exacerbate the issue of foreign nationals being registered to vote in U.S. elections.
In response to these challenges, PILF President J. Christian Adams criticized federal law for hindering states’ ability to validate citizenship during the voter registration process. Adams called on lawmakers to change the law to allow states to verify registrants’ citizenship.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
What concerns arise from the discovery of ineligible voters on the voter rolls?
By the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office confirmed the findings of the PILF report. It stated that these foreign nationals were removed from the voter rolls after it was discovered that they were not US citizens. The Secretary of State’s Office also emphasized that they are working diligently to identify any other noncitizens on the voter rolls and remove them to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The discovery of these ineligible voters raises significant concerns about the potential impact on election outcomes. It is critical for our democracy that only eligible citizens have the right to vote. Allowing noncitizens to cast ballots not only undermines the principles of our democratic system but also dilutes the voice of legitimate voters, who are the ones directly affected by the decisions made through the electoral process.
The presence of noncitizens on voter rolls also raises questions about the effectiveness of the voter registration system. This incident highlights the need for better verification processes when registering to vote and ongoing efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls. It is crucial to have reliable systems in place to identify and remove ineligible voters from the rolls to prevent any potential manipulation or fraud.
This issue should serve as a wake-up call for election officials across the country to review and improve their voter registration procedures. It is imperative that they take the necessary steps to ensure the accuracy and reliability of voter rolls. This may include implementing stricter verification measures, conducting regular audits of voter records, and enhancing communication and coordination between different agencies involved in the voter registration process.
Furthermore, this incident also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement in the electoral process. Citizens must take an active role in ensuring the integrity of our elections by reporting any suspicious or fraudulent activities they witness. Additionally, elected officials and policymakers should prioritize election integrity and take appropriate measures to address any vulnerabilities in the system.
In conclusion, the recent discovery of nearly 200 foreign nationals on Arizona’s voter rolls highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and reliable voter registration records. It calls for a comprehensive review of voter registration procedures and the implementation of stricter verification processes. The goal should be to ensure that only eligible citizens have the right to vote, safeguarding the integrity of our democratic system and protecting the voice of legitimate voters.
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