September 21, 2024
PHOENIX — All Voting is Local Arizona State Director Alex Gulotta released the following statement in response to Secretary Fontes’ proposed solution to the challenges created by the new documentary proof of citizenship law for eligible voters in Arizona.
“Election Day is in less than 50 days. The new requirements under the documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) law have caused a lot of chaos for Arizona voters and election officials. Fortunately, we have a pro-democracy secretary of state, attorney general, and governor who work tirelessly to support voters and election officials while pushing back against anti-voter measures. Secretary Fontes’ guidance, with confirmation from Attorney General Mayes’ opinion, ensures that all eligible voters will have the ability to register to vote, cast their ballot, and provide proof of their citizenship within a reasonable timeframe.
“As outlined in the attorney general’s opinion, election officials must attempt to confirm voters’ citizenship using the Motor Vehicle Division Database, send notices to voters who have not provided documentation, and allow voters to provide proof of citizenship until 7 p.m. on Election Day. This is a major win for voters following the U.S. Supreme Court’s August decision to allow the burdensome requirements from HB2492, enacted in 2022, to go into effect so close to an election. It behooves us to realize that those new requirements will now be an additional burden on our election officials, all imposed as a result of new legislative enactments that were based on conspiracy theories and disinformation about immigrants and voting.”