A 20-year-old government error has left about 200,000 Arizona voters in need of proof of citizenship to protect their voting rights. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, including firing two staff members and launching an investigation into past administrations’ knowledge of the issue. Fontes’ office has provided limited guidance to county officials on how to proceed, leading to confusion and debate on next steps. The tension between Fontes and Governor Katie Hobbs has escalated, with accusations of blame-shifting and inadequate action. The root of the problem lies with a Motor Vehicle Division policy from before 1996, which marked individuals as citizens without requiring proof. County recorders are now left to navigate the issue independently, with some calling for legislative action to provide clarity on voter eligibility. The outcome will impact voters ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated, statewide solution to address the systemic issue.
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