Access to the Ballot should be equal for all Arizona voters and not undermined by counties
The League of Women Voters of Arizona welcomes Attorney General Mayes’ August 18, 2025 opinion clarifying that county recorders do not have the authority to cancel or downgrade voter registrations of eligible voters based solely on the lack of documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) in legacy records.
This long-awaited guidance provides uniformity across Arizona and ensures that voters—many of whom have been lawfully registered for years—are not disenfranchised because of administrative errors beyond their control. The Attorney General’s opinion makes clear that unless there is affirmative evidence that a voter is not a U.S. citizen, counties must maintain that voter’s registration.
We are deeply concerned, however, that at least two counties—Maricopa and Pinal—have stated they will not fully follow this directive. Maricopa County continues to tell voters impacted by the MVD-DPOC issue that they must provide proof of citizenship or risk losing their ability to vote a full ballot. Pinal County has stated that while it will maintain current registrations, any affected voter who seeks to update their record—such as changing address or party affiliation—will still be downgraded unless they provide DPOC.
It is unacceptable that these counties are subjecting voters to confusing or unnecessary hoops. Voters should not have their registration status jeopardized because of an administrative error outside their control, particularly when it is contrary to the Attorney General's guidance.
The Attorney General has spoken clearly. Counties that choose to ignore this ruling are doing a disservice to voters, exposing themselves to costly litigation, and undermining confidence in the fairness of Arizona’s elections.
Ultimately, individuals who have been voting lawfully for years are being pushed out of the system because of unauthorized local practices.
The League strongly supports the Attorney General’s opinion as an essential safeguard for Arizona voters and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that access to the ballot is not undermined by counties.
Link to the ruling document 2025-08-18 Issued Opinion I25-007.pdf
Read the ruling!