Arizona’s Election Chief Stands Firm Against Federal Oversight
Arizona’s chief election official, Adrian Fontes, has made it clear to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that the state does not require reminders or assistance to ensure that only citizens participate in its elections. Fontes emphasized Arizona’s long-standing compliance with voter registration laws, stating, “Arizona has a long history of adherence to voter registration requirements.” This assertion was part of a letter addressed to William Mohrman, an attorney in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
The correspondence follows a warning from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who cautioned that federal law prohibits noncitizens from participating in federal elections. Dhillon’s letter highlighted the potential for criminal prosecution against state election officers, including Fontes, if they aid in violating these laws. Despite the DOJ’s offer to assist Arizona in adhering to federal regulations, Fontes responded that Arizona’s current practices are sufficient.
Fontes reiterated that Arizona’s 15 counties will continue to perform their duties under federal and state law to maintain accurate voter registration lists. He also provided the DOJ with access to the state’s comprehensive 468-page Elections Procedures Manual, which details voter registration processes. Fontes expressed confidence in the state’s election officials, stating, “It can trust my office and the highly trained and dedicated election officials in each of Arizona’s 15 counties to carry out our duties in accordance with the law and the oath we all have taken.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pursuing legal avenues to access Arizona’s voter records, amidst ongoing claims about election security. The administration’s efforts to obtain these records have faced legal setbacks, with federal judges rejecting attempts to access unredacted voter records and to influence the voter registration process through federal databases.
President Donald Trump continues to focus on election integrity issues, despite losing the 2020 election, and plans to address the nation about election matters soon. Adrian Fontes, who has previously confronted the administration, expressed readiness to comment on any developments.
In related developments, Democracy Docket, an organization led by Democratic attorney Marc Elias, has raised concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity at polling places. However, Calli Jones, a spokesperson for Fontes, indicated that no definitive information has been received regarding such plans.
—
Read More Arizona News
