Arizona Republicans are turning to the Supreme Court in their quest to implement stricter voter registration rules. The Republican National Committee (RNC) and state GOP leadership have filed an emergency application, seeking to enforce a 2022 law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
This legal battle escalated after a federal appeals court recently blocked key provisions of the Arizona law. Now, Republicans are asking the nation’s highest court to intervene before the November elections.
The contested law would require individuals to provide documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote using state forms. It would also extend this requirement to those voting by mail or in presidential contests.
Supporters argue these measures are crucial for preserving election integrity. RNC Chair Michael Whatley emphasized the importance of citizenship verification, calling it “fundamental to preserving the integrity of our elections.”
However, the law faces opposition from several left-leaning organizations, including Mi Familia Vota and Voto Latino, who claim it creates unnecessary barriers to voting.
In their appeal to the Supreme Court, Republicans cite the Purcell principle, a legal concept that discourages courts from altering election rules close to an election. They argue that by blocking the law, the appeals court has violated this principle.
If granted, the stay would allow Arizona to reject voter registrations lacking citizenship proof and potentially change how it handles federal-only ballots. Currently, individuals who don’t provide such proof can still vote in federal elections as “federal-only voters,” a practice stemming from a 2013 Supreme Court decision.
The GOP’s request emphasizes the urgency of the matter, asking for a ruling by August 22. This deadline is crucial for finalizing ballot designs and configuring voting machines for the upcoming elections.
As Arizona awaits the Supreme Court’s decision, the case highlights ongoing debates about balancing election accessibility with security concerns. The outcome could influence how other states approach voter registration and eligibility verification in future elections.
