In a bold move to strengthen election security, Arizona Republicans are turning to the nation’s highest court. The Republican National Committee (RNC) and state GOP leaders have filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court, seeking to enforce stricter voter registration rules in the Grand Canyon State.
The Republicans are asking the court to allow Arizona to implement a 2022 law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. This request comes after a federal appeals court recently blocked key provisions of the law, preventing its enforcement in upcoming elections.
At stake is the ability of Arizona to demand documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship from individuals registering to vote using state forms. The law would also extend this requirement to those casting mail-in ballots or voting in presidential elections.
Proponents of the law argue it’s a necessary step to ensure only eligible citizens participate in elections. RNC Chair Michael Whatley stressed the importance of these measures, calling them “common sense” protections for election integrity.
The legal challenge has faced pushback from several left-leaning organizations, including Mi Familia Vota and Voto Latino, who claim the law is unlawful.
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 that lack 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.
Justice Elena Kagan, who oversees emergency applications from western states, will initially review the request. She may decide independently or refer it to the full court for consideration.
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.
