Arizona's top election official, Adrian Fontes, has issued a stark warning regarding what he describes as Donald Trump's efforts to amass a 'master list' of all American citizens. Mr Fontes, a Democrat and the current Secretary of State for Arizona, stated that this initiative represents an attempt by Mr Trump to 'select his own citizenry' and exert control over who is eligible to vote in the United States.
In comments reported by US media, Mr Fontes expressed significant concern over the potential applications of such a comprehensive database. He suggested that if compiled, the information could be weaponised against political opponents, with ramifications ranging from 'shutting off bank accounts' to impacting access to healthcare services. Mr Fontes did not provide specific details on how such actions would be implemented, but highlighted the broad scope of personal data that could be collected.
The Arizona Secretary of State has used strong language to describe his fears, reportedly likening the potential system to 'apartheid in the US'. This terminology underscores the severity with which he views the implications of a government or political entity holding such extensive personal details on its populace and potentially using it to regulate or disenfranchise individuals based on their political leanings.
While Mr Fontes did not elaborate on the precise mechanisms Mr Trump is allegedly employing to gather this data, his comments reflect ongoing concerns among some US officials about the integrity of election processes and the potential for misuse of voter information. The allegations suggest a broader strategy aimed at influencing democratic participation and potentially targeting those perceived as opposition.