America First Legal (AFL) has achieved what it is calling a significant step forward in the effort to secure election integrity in the United States. As a result of a recent legal settlement, all 15 counties in the state of Arizona are now actively working to identify and remove non-citizens from their voter rolls. The move follows a lawsuit filed by AFL in 2023, which challenged what the group described as failures in maintaining the accuracy and legality of Arizona’s voter registration records.
The core issue at the heart of AFL’s legal challenge was the presence of registered voters in Arizona who had not submitted proof of U.S. citizenship. According to federal and state election laws, only citizens are permitted to vote in federal elections, and most states, including Arizona, impose similar requirements for state and local elections. While voter registration forms typically ask individuals to affirm their citizenship under penalty of perjury, AFL has long argued that such affirmations, without verification, are insufficient and vulnerable to abuse.
Under the terms of the legal settlement, Arizona’s 15 County Recorders have committed to consulting with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm the citizenship status of individuals whose records lack documentary proof. DHS databases, such as those maintained by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, will be used to match data and help determine whether a registered voter is, in fact, a citizen of the United States.
This development has been hailed by supporters of stricter election oversight as a milestone in the broader effort to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and lawfully. AFL, a conservative legal advocacy group founded by former Trump administration officials, views the initiative as part of a larger campaign to restore public trust in the electoral process. “This is a major win for election integrity,” AFL stated in a press release. “No American citizen’s vote should be canceled out by a ballot cast by a non-citizen. We are proud to help ensure that the voter rolls in Arizona reflect only eligible voters.”
Critics of the effort, however, have raised concerns about the potential for disenfranchisement and administrative overreach. Civil rights organizations and some election law experts argue that overly aggressive purging of voter rolls can inadvertently remove eligible citizens, particularly naturalized Americans whose documentation may not be readily accessible through federal databases. Others warn that the initiative may have a chilling effect on voter participation, particularly in immigrant communities.
Still, Arizona’s election officials have emphasized that the process will be conducted carefully and in compliance with all applicable laws. County Recorders are expected to work closely with both DHS and the Arizona Secretary of State’s office to ensure that any actions taken are accurate, transparent, and fair. Voters who are flagged in the review process will likely be given notice and an opportunity to correct or verify their information before any changes to their registration status are finalized.
Arizona has long been a focal point in national debates over voting laws and election security. In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, the state drew national attention due to various audits, lawsuits, and legislative efforts to reexamine its electoral procedures. This latest development adds another chapter to that ongoing story, reflecting the deep divisions and intense scrutiny that continue to surround the American electoral system.
While the long-term impact of this action remains to be seen, the settlement underscores the increasing role of legal advocacy groups like AFL in shaping how states approach election management. It also highlights the complex balance between safeguarding the right to vote and ensuring the integrity of the voter rolls. As Arizona’s counties begin implementing the agreement, the nation will be watching closely to see how this precedent might influence similar efforts elsewhere.
