384,000 Arizona Voters at Risk of Disenfranchisement

League Urges Arizona Voters to Check Their Voter Registration Information

PHOENIX, AZ – Arizonans who updated their address with the Motor Vehicles Division since August 2017 may not have had their voter registration updated - even though the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requires it. The Secretary of State is responsible for complying with this law and when it became apparent that voters’ rights were being neglected, the League took action.

After sending Secretary Michele Reagan a letter regarding the NVRA violation, engaging in in-depth negotiations and then receiving no adequate solution, the League of Women Voters of Arizona, joined by Mi Familia Vota and Promise Arizona, sued on behalf of the voters. Unfortunately, on Tuesday a judge ruled that even though the Secretary did not comply with the NVRA that there was insufficient showing of harm to plaintiffs.

“With less than seven weeks before the general election, the League of Women Voters urges Arizona voters to check that their voter registration information is up to date and accurate,” said Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer, co-President, League of Women Voters of Arizona. “While we are disappointed the judge did not step in to fix this oversight, we will be working overtime to support Arizonans and help ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to have their voices heard in this upcoming midterm election.”

The Secretary of State’s office estimates 384,000 Arizonans did not have their voter registration updated when they made an address change.

“This is a significant number of potential voters who may find that they are not on the rolls when they go to cast their vote,” said Prud’homme-Bauer. “Because so many address changes were not made to voter registrations, voters who vote by mail may have their ballot sent to an old address. Voters who show up in person and are not on the rolls are entitled to cast a provisional ballot.”

The deadline for voter registration in Arizona is October 9, 2018. The League encourages voters to visit VOTE411.org to check their status and register to vote.

“Now is the time for all voters to check the status of their registration,” Prud’homme-Bauer added. “Our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard, and we are working to empower all Arizona voters to have their say this November.”

Contact: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]