Maricopa County, Ariz. — Mark Patterson has been a registered Republican voter in Maricopa County since 1992. He goes to vote in person before Election Day every election cycle to avoid long lines. But this year, to his surprise, he learned he was no longer a registered voter in Arizona’s largest county.

With help from pollsters, Patterson learned that she was actually listed as an “inactive” voter in Pima County, which includes Tucson.

Patterson, who lives in Gilbert, asked for help from the community on social media to find out how this could happen. With help from 12News, we learned that this whole mess is related to Patterson registering one of his cars in Pima County, where he previously lived for a short time.

“I used to get my car tags from there, and I’m very careful about what I sign or check,” Patterson said.

The Pima County Recorder’s Office told 12News that Patterson registered to vote there after registering his car in September 2023. The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office said this triggered a system to deregister him as a voter.

“It’s very important that voters are consistent. They choose their primary address, their primary place of residence, and that’s where they register to vote. That’s where they need their vehicle,” said Chief Program Officer of the Election Center. said Tammy Patrick. .

Patterson is listed as an “inactive” voter because the Pima County Recorder’s Office sent election materials to his address but did not contact him to confirm that he received the materials. It is.

“If mail is returned to the county recorder’s office stating that someone has permanently moved out of Arizona and no longer lives there, we will send that voter two It will go into inactivity for the duration of the federal cycle,”’ Patrick explained.

In Patterson’s case, he should have no problem transitioning to active duty status before Election Day because he still lives in Arizona and can prove he owns property in Pima County.

Patterson hopes his situation serves as a reminder to all Arizona voters to check their registration status before going to vote in person.

“I ask everyone to make sure they’re okay with going to the next election, because the vast majority of people who vote are taking it very seriously,” Patterson said. “As American citizens, it is a right and we should all exercise it.”

Patrick explained that people must travel to Pima County to vote in this pivotal election.

“There are voter registration deadlines in Arizona, so he has to go to Pima County and improve the situation for this election,” Patrick said.

The longtime voter said he will make sure his voice is heard despite the registration uproar.

“I’ll do it with my gas money. Please take your time. It’s very important to me,” Patterson said.

Click to check your voter registration status here.

To contact the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, click here here.

To contact the Pima County Recorder’s Office, click here here.