A top election official from Arizona has raised concerns that a Republican push against noncitizen voting could unfairly penalize US citizens. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes testified before the Republican-led House of Representatives Administration Committee, warning that measures aimed at combating noncitizen voting could lead to significant disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
Fontes, a Democrat, highlighted that a 2004 initiative in Arizona, which required proof of citizenship for voting, had resulted in 47,000 eligible voters being denied their right to vote. He argued that these measures target a “fake problem” and that the actual incidence of noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare.
The hearing was part of a broader debate over election integrity, with lawmakers and witnesses exchanging criticisms regarding various aspects of the electoral process. Fontes’ testimony underscored concerns that efforts to combat supposed voter fraud could have unintended consequences for legitimate voters.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, also a Democrat, echoed Fontes’ concerns, citing threats and intimidation faced by election officials due to the spread of misinformation about election security. Benson emphasized that unfounded allegations erode public trust and compromise the integrity of the electoral system.
The debate has intensified as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed for a bill requiring proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. This measure, supported by Republican Donald Trump, who has claimed widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, aims to address concerns about noncitizen voting. However, evidence suggests that such incidents are rare, with independent studies confirming the infrequency of noncitizen voting in federal elections.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, acknowledged the rarity of noncitizen voting but defended enforcement measures, stating that his office had removed nearly 600 noncitizens from voter rolls. LaRose attributed the issue to insufficient border security under the current administration.
Fontes warned that recent legal developments, including a US Supreme Court ruling reviving proof of citizenship requirements for state elections, could further disenfranchise eligible voters. He stressed that these efforts, while aimed at addressing concerns about noncitizen voting, could have adverse effects on the voting rights of US citizens.
Republican committee Chairman Bryan Steil defended the proposed legislation, arguing that it is necessary to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote while obtaining driver’s licenses. Steil claimed that states have taken steps to remove noncitizens from voter rolls to address this issue.
Democracy advocates and Democrats view the push for proof of citizenship requirements as a tactic to undermine confidence in the electoral process. Representative Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the panel, asserted that US elections are secure and rejected the notion that widespread voter fraud is a significant issue.
During the hearing, state election officials from both parties assured lawmakers of their commitment to preventing noncitizen voting, emphasizing their adherence to a zero-tolerance policy.
