In a dramatic reversal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned its July 18 ruling that mandated proof of citizenship for voter registration in Arizona. The court’s 2-1 decision on Thursday now states that such documentation is unnecessary.
Judges Kim McLane Wardlaw and Ronald Gould, in their majority opinion, cited concerns about potential “confusion and chaos” close to the November elections. Judge Patrick Bumatay dissented, arguing the earlier decision was correct and raised issues of separation of powers.
Arizona’s dual registration system currently allows those with proof of citizenship to vote in all elections, while those without are limited to “federal only” ballots. Senate President Warren Petersen has announced intentions to seek an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure that only American citizens are allowed to vote.
According to Aaron Thacker, communications director for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, election officials are instructed not to reject voter registration applications lacking documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC), regardless of the form used.
