Federal judge blocks enforcement of Ohio proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration
Summary
A federal judge temporarily blocked Ohio from requiring voters to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote at motor vehicle bureaus. The judge said this requirement conflicts with a federal law that sets the minimum needed information for voter registration. Ohio’s Secretary of State plans to appeal the decision.Key Facts
- Ohio began requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration at motor vehicle offices in 2024.
- U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. issued an injunction stopping this requirement before the October 5 voter registration deadline.
- The judge said Ohio’s rule is stricter than the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which sets minimum voter registration standards.
- Ohio’s motor voter process was found to limit registration to those who get a driver’s license, which violates federal law requiring the offer of voter registration to all applicants.
- The lawsuit was filed by groups representing retired Americans and progressive voters, supported by the Democrat-aligned Elias Law Group.
- Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, said he will appeal the ruling.
- Other states like South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming have also introduced similar proof-of-citizenship rules for 2024 voting.
- President Donald Trump supports laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
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