Republican leaders in Arizona are taking their fight for election integrity to the highest court in the land. The Republican National Committee (RNC) and Arizona GOP officials have asked the Supreme Court to allow a state law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration to take effect.
The emergency request comes after a federal appeals court blocked key parts of Arizona’s 2022 law. That ruling prevented the state from enforcing rules that would reject voter registrations lacking documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship. Now, Republicans are urging the Supreme Court to step in before the November elections.
At the heart of this legal battle is the question of who can vote in Arizona elections. The state law would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote using state forms. It would also mandate such proof for those voting by mail or in presidential contests.
Supporters argue these measures are vital for maintaining election integrity. RNC Chair Michael Whatley emphasized the importance of verifying citizenship, calling it “common sense and fundamental” to protecting the voting process.
However, the law faces opposition from several left-wing groups. Organizations like Mi Familia Vota and Voto Latino have challenged its legality in court.
The Republicans’ request to the Supreme Court cites the Purcell principle, a legal doctrine cautioning against changing election rules close to an election date. They argue that the appeals court’s decision to block the law goes against this principle.
If the Supreme Court grants the stay, it could significantly impact how Arizona conducts its upcoming elections. The state would be allowed to require citizenship proof for voter registration and potentially alter how it handles federal-only ballots.
Currently, individuals in Arizona who don’t provide citizenship proof when registering can still vote in federal elections as “federal-only voters.” This allowance stems from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
The Republicans have asked for a decision by August 22, citing the need to finalize ballot designs and voting machine configurations. Justice Elena Kagan, responsible for emergency applications from western states, will initially handle the request.
As the legal drama unfolds, Arizona voters and election officials alike are watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how states verify voter eligibility and manage their voter rolls in future elections.
