In an unexpected 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 eliminates this requirement.
The majority opinion, delivered by Judges Kim McLane Wardlaw and Ronald Gould, argued that implementing such a change close to the November elections would cause “confusion and chaos.” Judge Patrick Bumatay dissented, supporting the original decision and raising concerns about separation of powers.
Arizona’s current system allows voters who provide proof of citizenship to vote in all elections, while those who cannot are restricted to “federal only” ballots. Senate President Warren Petersen has announced plans to seek an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain restrictions to American citizens.
According to Aaron Thacker, communications director for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, election officials are now directed not to reject voter registration applications without documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC), irrespective of the form used.
