The U.S. Supreme Court has just made a decision that could have a serious impact on the next presidential election results to come out of Arizona, a major battleground state where each vote could have a major impact.
Arizona Enforces Proof of Citizenship Law
This August, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Arizona to enforce a law that will require proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in the state.
Citizenship Proof Required For Voter Registration
This means that if a U.S. citizen is unable to provide proof of citizenship in their voter registration applications, they will not be able to cast their ballot in the 2024 presidential election.
Federal Forms Unaffected by New Law
However, if they are unable to provide their proof of citizenship, they will still be able to fill out other necessary federal forms, as the law strictly relates to voter registration.
RNC Chairman Praises Supreme Court Decision
Following the ruling, RNC chairman Michael Whatley praised the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure that this presidential election will maintain its integrity.
“Victory For Election Integrity”
“This is a major victory for election integrity that upholds a simple principle: American elections must be decided by American citizens,” said Whatley.
Complex Legal Battle Leads to Supreme Court
The case in which the Supreme Court made this decision began after a federal judge blocked the Arizona law, which then led to a long and complex legal battle.
Supreme Court Sides With Arizona Law
Eventually, the Republican National Committee (RNC) requested that the case be taken to the Supreme Court, where they eventually sided with the state law.
Precedent on Changing Voting Rules Tested
However, the case did force the Supreme Court to test a precedent that advises the court against changing voting rules close to an election.
Arizona Secretary of State Warns of Voter Confusion
In response to the ruling, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes highlighted this fact and how this could potentially lead to voter confusion, inadvertently harming the integrity of the election.
Concerns Over Election Integrity and Voter Confusion
“My concern is that changes to the process should not occur this close to an election; it creates confusion for voters,” said Fontes.
Opposition to Law’s Enforcement
Fontes and many other state officials publicly opposed the law’s enforcement due to these concerns over potential voter confusion so close to the election.
Arizona’s 2022 Proof-of-Citizenship Law
The original Arizona law in question was passed in 2022 by the Republican-controlled legislature and imposed strict proof-of-citizenship requirements on voter registrations.
Part of Republican Efforts to Tighten Voter Registration
The Proof-of-Citizenship law aligns with the broader efforts of the Republican Party to tighten voter registration requirements in the name of election security.
RNC Chairman Criticizes Democrats on Election Integrity
Emphasizing the Republicans’ goal for tighter voter requirements, RNC Chairman Whatley went on to criticize Democrats, claiming they are actually working against election integrity.
Federal Judge Initially Blocks Arizona Law
After the law was passed in Arizona, its enforcement was quickly blocked by a federal judge, which then led to the RNC’s appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Split Decision at 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
When the law was initially presented to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, it resulted in a split decision, but then a three-judge panel partially granted the RNC’s request.
Former Governor Defends Proof-of-Citizenship Law
Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, who signed the legislation, argued that the law will help find a balance between voting accessibility and election security.
“Election Integrity Means Counting Every Lawful Vote”
“Election integrity means counting every lawful vote and prohibiting any attempt to illegally cast a vote,” Ducey stated when defending the law.
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