Timothy Courchaine's Office Hands Arizona Voter Roll Case to FBI

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, Timothy Courchaine, announced Friday that his office has launched an investigation into three local nonprofits. Federal officials are examining reports that these groups registered noncitizens to vote in the days leading up to next week’s midterm elections.

The three organizations under scrutiny are Stand Indivisible Arizona, Worker Power, and When We Count. Courchaine’s office stated that the case has been handed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive review. The FBI will determine whether the groups intentionally violated or were recklessly ignorant of Arizona statutes.

In letters sent to the Maricopa County recorder and the Arizona secretary of state, the attorney’s office urged officials to review the voter registration practices of the three nonprofits. The correspondence noted that personnel acting on behalf of the groups disregarded state laws prohibiting the registration of noncitizens in elections.

The release emphasized that voting in next Tuesday’s midterm elections is strictly limited to registered citizens. It added that knowingly registering noncitizens constitutes a violation of federal law. The investigation follows written and video reports that prompted the federal inquiry.

Stand Indivisible Arizona describes itself as a non-partisan, volunteer-driven community organization based in Scottsdale. Worker Power identifies as a multi-racial social welfare organization dedicated to preserving democracy. When We Count is a Democratic group focused on lowering costs and protecting democracy. It is the only one of the three organizations that aligns itself with a political party.