Out-of-county voters in Coconino County, Arizona, have been causing confusion at polling places by attempting to vote using federal-only ballots despite being registered in other counties. This has led county election officials to issue a 'Misinformation Alert' to address the issue.
According to Coconino County Elections Director Eslir Musta, there seems to be a misunderstanding among voters that federal-only ballots can be used interchangeably between all counties, which is not the case. Musta noted that while this is not the first time they have encountered this situation, the requests have been more widespread this year.
In previous elections, college students from other Arizona counties studying in Flagstaff have also tried to vote in Coconino using federal-only ballots. However, Arizona law does not permit out-of-county voters to use federal-only ballots in a county where they are not registered.
Voters who register in Arizona without providing proof of citizenship or residency are classified as Federal Only Voters and are only allowed to vote in federal elections. They have until 7 p.m. on Election Day to provide the necessary documentation.
The Arizona Secretary of State's office has also stepped in to clarify the situation, emphasizing that college students must vote in the county where they are registered. They debunked the myth that individuals are eligible for federal-only ballots in counties where they are not registered.
A review of social media posts in Arizona has revealed significant confusion surrounding federal-only ballots and Arizona voting laws in the lead-up to the election. This misinformation has practical implications as election officials work to ensure smooth operations at polling places and minimize wait times.
The Coconino County Elections office has warned that ballots cast in the wrong county will not be tabulated, and urged voters to avoid creating long lines that divert resources from local voters.
