The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed its previous decision from July 18, which required proof of citizenship for voter registration in Arizona. The court, in a 2-1 vote on Thursday, declared that such documentation is not necessary.
The majority opinion, written by Judges Kim McLane Wardlaw and Ronald Gould, highlighted the potential “confusion and chaos” that a late change in election rules could cause. Judge Patrick Bumatay dissented, asserting that the initial panel’s decision was correct and emphasized separation of powers concerns.
Arizona’s current system allows those with proof of citizenship to vote in all elections, while those without are limited to “federal only” ballots. Senate President Warren Petersen announced plans to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency stay to ensure that only American citizens can vote.
Election officials in Arizona have been instructed not to reject voter registration applications without documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC), according to Aaron Thacker, communications director for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
