Phoenix — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is demanding that Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap immediately correct the voting status of 24 registered voters he marked as “not eligible.” Mayes’ office says the action violates state law and threatens to sue if the records are not updated before the Nov. 3, 2026 election.
Background of the dispute
Earlier this year, Recorder Heap referred 207 registered voters he suspected of not being U.S. citizens to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell for investigation. Mitchell later announced that of the 60 people who had cast ballots in past elections, only eight were confirmed non‑citizens. The investigation found the remaining 52 were citizens, yet 24 of those individuals remain listed as “not eligible” in the county’s voter database.
Attorney General’s response
In a letter dated Monday, Mayes’ office warned that the continued “not eligible” designation could disenfranchise these properly registered voters as the election draws near. The letter emphasized that Arizona law requires a recorder to have “affirmative evidence” that a registrant is not a citizen before canceling or downgrading a registration.
Mayes noted that 18 of the 24 voters were on the early‑voting list and one was a military or overseas voter. Under state law, early‑voting ballots must be mailed at least 45 days before the election. The AG’s office argues that Heap’s failure to send the overseas voter a ballot by that deadline also violates the law.
Legal requirements and potential consequences
Arizona statutes mandate that when a county recorder determines a registrant is not a citizen, the recorder must cancel the registration, notify the individual, and inform both the county attorney and the attorney general. Mayes’ office contends that without clear proof of non‑citizenship, the recorder has no legal basis to keep the voters in a “not eligible” status.
The AG’s office previously warned Heap in May that he lacked authority to label more than 200 voters as “not eligible.” Mayes now says the same legal standard applies to the remaining 24 voters.
Implications for the upcoming election
With the election only two weeks away, the AG stresses that any continued denial of voting rights could affect the outcome in a pivotal statewide contest. The letter urges Heap to act quickly, noting that Friday is the final day an early ballot can be mailed to a voter.
Arizona’s Family news outlet has reached out to Recorder Heap’s office for comment but has not yet received a response.
What voters should know
Eligible voters in Maricopa County who believe their registration status is incorrect should contact the county recorder’s office promptly. The deadline to request a correction before the election is fast approaching, and any disputes may be subject to legal action by the attorney general’s office.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
