Federal judge says New Hampshire must make it easier to prove citizenship when registering to vote
Summary
A federal judge ruled that New Hampshire must allow voters to confirm their U.S. citizenship by sworn statement if they cannot provide documents. This decision challenges recent state law changes that removed this option and makes voter registration harder for some citizens.Key Facts
- New Hampshire changed its voter registration law in 2024, removing the option to prove citizenship by sworn affidavit.
- The federal judge said removing this option was unconstitutional because it’s the only proof available for many voters.
- The law was signed by Republican former Governor Chris Sununu.
- The state plans to appeal the judge’s decision, calling proof-of-citizenship rules necessary for election security.
- The ACLU of New Hampshire and other groups sued, arguing the law was too strict and could stop qualified voters.
- Some voters faced problems providing passports or birth certificates under the new rules.
- Other states with similar proof-of-citizenship laws include Arizona, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and soon Florida.
- A similar law in Kansas was struck down in 2018 for violating voter registration rights after many citizens were blocked from registering.
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