The conflict here seems to be that federal law simply states that the person affirm “under threat of persecution” that they are or are not a citizen. The Arizona law takes the extra step of rejecting any registration that does not accompany proof of citizenry, which is seen as an undue burden.
Easily solved: AZ legislature now passes a measure that implements the following:
1. 60-day voter registration waiting period for those affirming citizenship by signature. During that period, state of AZ aggressively verifies citizenship by any legal means available to them.
2. Waiting period waived for anyone offering valid proof of citizenship at time of affirmation.
3. If state determines citizenship is not valid, or state cannot verify citizenship within the 60 day waiting period, state shall notify the applicant. An appeal may be made by the applicant with proper documentation.
4. If no appeal is made within 30 days of notification, state is obligated to aggressively prosecute the applicant on the basis of perjury.