Key facts
- A U.S. judge blocked an Ohio law requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.
- The law applied to individuals registering to vote at the state's motor vehicle offices.
- Advocacy groups challenged the law, citing violations of the National Voter Registration Act.
- The judge ruled that a written attestation of citizenship is sufficient for eligibility.
- President Donald Trump has supported similar proof-of-citizenship measures.
A U.S. District Judge has blocked an Ohio law that mandated documentary proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote at the state's motor vehicle offices. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr., represents a setback for Republican efforts to tighten voter registration rules ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine, required documents such as birth certificates or passports when applying for a driver's license or state identification. Advocacy groups, including the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, challenged the law, arguing it created an unnecessary obstacle and violated the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which aimed to expand voter registration opportunities.
In his ruling, Judge Oliver stated that voters attesting in writing to their U.S. citizenship was sufficient for election officials to assess eligibility. He noted that the National Voter Registration Act had been successful in expanding voter registration. Ben Stafford, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, commented that eligible Ohioans would now be able to register without producing unnecessary paperwork.
Ohio's Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, had previously defended the law, stating it was common sense to ensure only U.S. citizens were on voter rolls. President Donald Trump has also been a proponent of such laws, advocating for a nationwide requirement for proof of citizenship during voter registration, which he believes would ensure Republican victories.