AZ Sec. of State Sends Criminal Referral to AG, Warning to Bad Actors

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes sent a criminal referral to Attorney General Kris Mayes today for a Wisconsin man’s unlawful use of Arizona registration information.

This referral came after it was discovered that the man posted the Arizona voter registration information he obtained from the secretary’s office via a public record request to the internet, in violation of A.R.S. § 16-168(F)

“Voter data is sensitive and personal. While it is a public record, those who request and obtain it must adhere to the statutory restrictions on its use. We take mishandling of voter information very seriously,” said Secretary Fontes. “The threat environment around elections today is complex, and this was a deliberate act to expose Arizona voters to potential bad actors on the internet. It is illegal, and it won’t be tolerated.”

Although ignorance of the law is not a defense, as part of the secretary of state’s record release process, requestors of voter data are advised of the statutory requirements and prohibitions applicable to voter records, including the prohibition on Internet posting.

“Let this be a warning,” Fontes said. “Bad actors who participate in unlawful acts aimed at voters and election workers will experience accountability for their actions through the discomfort of due process. I promise that.”

The Attorney General’s office is the investigative and prosecutorial body for matters of this nature.

The Arizona Secretary of State’s office is committed to ensuring safe, fair and secure elections.