Local Politics · Maricopa County
AG Mayes Sues Maricopa County Recorder Over 25 Voters Still Flagged Noncitizens
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, seeking to restore voting rights for 25 voters falsely flagged as noncitizens by the federal SAVE data tool. County detectives confirmed the voters are U.S. citizens, but they remain in "not eligible" status on the county's voter roll, blocking mail ballots and requiring proof of citizenship to vote. The dispute traces to spring, when Heap referred 207 potential noncitizens to prosecutors; Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell later determined only 8 of 60 who had cast ballots were actual noncitizens. Heap contends the delay rests with Mayes and Mitchell for not providing citizenship documentation to his office. The lawsuit seeks a court order for immediate reinstatement during active voting in the 2026 general election.