Arizona Voter Registration Deadline Extended To Oct. 23
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Monday was supposed to be the last day to register to vote in Arizona, but a federal judge has granted a last-minute extension of the deadline.
Those who didn’t register to vote in the state now have until Oct. 23 to do so.
U.S. District Judge Steven Logan made the decision late Monday, siding with Mi Familia Vota and the Arizona Coalition for Change.
Those groups filed a suit last week arguing that it’s been more difficult to get people registered this year, due to the pandemic. Political organizers suspended most in-person operations in March as COVID-19 started to spread more widely.
The lawsuit was opposed by the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Gov. Doug Ducey.
Democratic Rep. Reginald Bolding, who is the co-executive director of the Arizona Coalition for Change and one of two groups that sought to extend the deadline, said, “The reality is the pandemic has caused undue harm to several Arizonans who would otherwise have had access to vote and register to vote. If it doesn’t cause any more harm to the state with regard to an administrative burden then they should definitely have that right.”
In a press release, Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer also welcomed the judge's decision.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created so many unprecedented challenges for our Navajo people, including being able to register to vote. Monday’s ruling for the state of Arizona expands the opportunity for our people to register and to vote in the upcoming election” he stated.
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs announced she will not appeal the ruling.
Residents with an Arizona driver's license or a state ID card issued by the Motor Vehicle Division can register online at ServiceArizona.com.
Maricopa County residents can check their voter status online at BeBallotReady.vote.
Early ballots will be mailed out Oct. 7.
The Show talked with Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services about the decision.
