According to the lawsuit, the Supreme Court rejected Arizona’s previous attempt to require proof of citizenship in 2013, and the Justice Department argues that this new law violates the National Voter Registration Act by requiring documentary proof of citizenship in federal elections. “Arizona has passed a law that turns back the clock on progress by imposing illegal and unnecessary requirements that would keep eligible voters off the registration rolls for certain federal elections,” said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the Department’s Civil Rights Division. Justice. a statement. “The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool available to protect the right of all Americans to vote and ensure that their voices are heard,” he added. Arizona is just one of the key battleground states where Republican lawmakers have pushed for changes to voting procedures, which worries voting rights advocates. Democrats have repeatedly warned that laws like the one in Arizona could raise unwarranted questions about the results of free and fair elections and erode voter confidence. State law already requires Arizona residents who want to register to vote in state elections to provide proof of citizenship. But this legislation, passed by the GOP-controlled state legislature, extends those requirements to residents who vote only in federal elections. Currently, people using a federal voter registration form are required to affirm under penalty of perjury that they are citizens, but no proof is required. Under the new law, election officials will have to verify the citizenship of any voter who submits a federal voter registration form without proper proof. And any county recorder or election official who fails to attempt to verify citizenship and knowingly registers a voter without proper documentation could be charged with a felony. The state attorney general could also investigate any voter without proof of citizenship and could prosecute noncitizens who register to vote. While Ducey said the law “provides clarity” on how officials process voter registration applications who “lack proof of citizenship,” critics say it could harm voters — such as students, seniors and those in tribal communities — who may not have a valid state driver’s license or ID. This story has been updated with additional information on Tuesday. Kelly Mena contributed to this report.
