FBI probes three Arizona groups over noncitizen voter registration

Three Arizona nonprofits face a federal investigation after officials alleged they registered noncitizens to vote ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for next Tuesday. U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Timothy Courchaine announced the probe on Friday. His office has referred the matter to the FBI for a full investigation.

The groups under scrutiny are Stand Indivisible Arizona, Worker Power, and When We Count. According to a release from the attorney’s office, personnel acting for these organizations either intentionally disregarded or were recklessly ignorant of Arizona law, which prohibits registering noncitizens in elections. The office stated that knowing registration of noncitizens violates federal law.

Courchaine’s office also sent letters to the Maricopa County recorder and the Arizona secretary of state. These letters encourage both offices to review the voter registration practices of the three nonprofits. The release emphasized that voting in the upcoming midterms is strictly limited to registered citizens.

Stand Indivisible Arizona describes itself as a non-partisan, volunteer-driven community organization based in Scottsdale. Worker Power identifies as a multi-racial and multi-generational social welfare group focused on preserving democracy and improving working family lives. When We Count is the only party-aligned group among the three. The Democratic organization states it is focused on lowering costs, improving healthcare, creating jobs, ending corruption, and protecting democracy.

The investigation follows written and video reports of the registration practices. The FBI will lead the inquiry into how the groups operated. State officials will concurrently review their records. The midterm elections remain on schedule for next Tuesday.