US appeals court reinstates Ohio law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration

A US appeals court has temporarily reinstated an Ohio law that requires residents to present documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote at the state's motor vehicle offices. The decision by the Cincinnati-based 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday provides a boost to allies of President Donald Trump who are advocating for stricter voter registration rules.

The 2-1 ruling by the appeals court pauses a lower court's decision that had blocked the law. This comes as a competitive Senate race in Ohio is considered crucial for Democratic hopes of regaining control of the Senate in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

US District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. had previously granted a preliminary injunction against the 2025 law in August, stating that voters attesting in writing to their US citizenship was sufficient for election officials to assess their eligibility. However, the three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit, in temporarily pausing Oliver's order, indicated that the advocacy groups challenging the law likely lacked standing and that the order was issued too close to the election.

Trump and other Republicans across the country are promoting increased restrictions on voter registration, partly based on unsubstantiated claims of widespread illegal voting by non-US citizens. Conversely, Democrats and voting rights advocates argue that such instances are rare and that stricter rules can impede eligible US citizens from voting. Lawyers for the advocacy groups, Red Wine & Blue and the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.