Scrutiny over voter registration accuracy in Maricopa County has unveiled a new perspective on the issue of noncitizen voting. An investigation led by County Attorney Rachel Mitchell revealed that the number of noncitizens who voted was significantly lower than initially reported.
Investigation Uncovers Discrepancies
Earlier this year, 207 individuals were flagged by the federal SAVE database as potential noncitizens registered to vote in Maricopa County. Of these, 60 were believed to have cast ballots. However, upon further investigation, Mitchell’s team confirmed that 52 of these individuals were indeed U.S. citizens.
This topic came into the spotlight after Republican Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, who announced the findings alongside former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, known for her claims about widespread voter fraud. Mitchell’s findings, however, paint a different picture, showing that voting by noncitizens is rare, aligning with similar investigations in other states.
Challenges with the SAVE Database
The SAVE database has been criticized for its inaccuracies, as it has flagged legitimate U.S. citizens in the past. Mitchell pointed out that gaps in information contributed to these errors, noting, “Obviously, some of those missing pieces of information, when filled out, showed that 52 of them were citizens.” Despite these issues, Mitchell supports its use under the Supreme Court’s ruling, emphasizing its value as a tool with limitations.
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes echoed this sentiment, recognizing the database as a “necessary tool” but stressed the importance of verifying data before disqualifying voters, stating, “And it is critical to remember that data in the SAVE system must be verified before it is ever used to disqualify a voter.”
Insights into Noncitizen Voting
Among the eight confirmed noncitizen voters, each had participated in elections spanning from 2012 to 2025. Mitchell acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues, saying, “I recognize your voice is your vote, and though our findings today would not change the outcome of any past election, every ineligible voter dilutes the vote of a citizen, and it’s crucial that we fix this going forward.”
Most of these cases were linked to a driver’s license system glitch identified in 2024, allowing voter registration without proof of citizenship. Seven of the eight noncitizens registered to vote upon renewing their driver’s licenses, while the eighth used a handwritten form in 2012.
Call for Legislative Action
Mitchell is advocating for changes to prevent future errors, particularly in the state’s compliance with the Motor Voter Act. She suggests separating voter registration from driver’s license renewals and calls for better training for staff involved in these processes.
Her office is preparing legislation to address these issues, with proposed changes expected in the next legislative session. “Now, the law in Arizona and the Voter Motor Voter Act requires that they have the opportunity to register to vote at the same time and place as getting their driver’s licenses, but what it doesn’t require is – it doesn’t require that there be an overlapping of the data,” Mitchell explained.
Continued Investigations
Investigations are ongoing for the remaining 147 individuals flagged by the SAVE database. Mitchell’s office, along with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ Office, is reviewing these cases. Richie Taylor, a spokesperson for Mayes, noted, “Our investigation is ongoing,” highlighting delays in receiving information from Heap.
The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office has yet to comment on the situation.
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