Federal judge allows proof of citizenship requirement for naturalized Ohioans challenged at polls [View all]

A federal district judge in Ohio has given the green light to a requirement that naturalized Ohio U.S. citizens show proof of citizenship to cast a ballot. In 2006, the same judge determined a statute requiring challenged voters provide proof was unconstitutional because it “subjects naturalized citizens to disparate treatment,” and permanently enjoined the law.

Now, however, the judge says circumstances are different, and the plaintiffs demanding enforcement of that 2006 order haven’t demonstrated standing.

They brought the challenge after Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose revised the form used when a voter’s citizenship is challenged at the polls. Following the 2006 ruling blocking the law, a challenged voter only had to attest under oath that they were a citizen to receive a regular ballot.

LaRose’s changes reverted to the show-me-your-papers requirement, citing the enjoined statute as the relevant authority.





https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/11/01/federal-judge-allows-proof-of-citizenship-requirement-for-naturalized-ohioans-challenged-at-polls/