MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — Since 1992, Mark Patterson has been a registered Republican voter in Maricopa County. Every election cycle he goes in person to vote before Election Day to avoid long lines. This year though, to his surprise, he found out he was no longer a registered voter in Arizona's largest county.
A poll worker helped Patterson learn that he was actually listed as an "inactive" voter in Pima County, which encompasses Tucson.
Patterson, who lives in Gilbert, sought the help of the community on social media to inquire about how this could be. With the help of 12News, we've learned this confusion is all linked to Patterson registering one of his vehicles in Pima County, where he lived for a brief time before.
"I had gotten my tags for my vehicle from down there, but I pay very close attention to things I sign and check off on," Patterson said.
The Pima County Recorder's Office told 12News Patterson went through the process to register to vote there after registering his vehicle in September 2023. The Maricopa County Recorder's Office said this triggered their system to de-register him as a voter.
"It's really important that voters are consistent. Pick a primary address, pick a primary residence, and that's where you want to register to vote. That's where you want your vehicles," said Tammy Patrick, chief executive officer for programs at the Election Center.
Patterson is listed as an "inactive" voter because the Pima County Recorder's Office was sending election materials to his address there, but had not heard back from him to verify he had received the materials.
"If someone moves out of Arizona entirely, and mail comes back to the county recorder's office saying they no longer live there, in order to make sure that that voter has no intent to return, they get moved to an inactive status for two federal cycles," Patrick explained.
In Patterson's case, he should have no problem moving to active status before Election Day because he is able to prove that he still lives in Arizona and has a property in Pima County.
Patterson hopes his situation serves as a reminder to all voters in Arizona to check their registration status before heading to vote in person.
"I implore everybody to check to make sure that you are good to go on any further elections. Because the vast majority of people who vote take it extremely serious," Patterson said. "As a U.S. citizen, it's a right, and we should all exercise it."
Patrick explained that he will have to travel to Pima County to cast his vote in this pivotal election.
"Arizona has a voter registration deadline, that's why he's going to have to go down to Pima County and and remedy the situation for this election," Patrick said.
The long-time voter said he will make sure his voice his heard despite this registration snafu.
"I'd spend the gas money and go do it. Take the time. It's that important to me," Patterson said.
To check your voter registration status, click here.
To contact the Maricopa County Recorder's Office click here.
To contact the Pima County Recorder's Office click here.