Must voters have to prove citizenship to register?

Sunday March 17, 2013 4:45 AM

By JESSE J. HOLLAND and JACQUES BILLEAUD

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Monday in a case about whether states can force people to prove their U.S. citizenship before registering to vote.

At issue is the legality of Arizona's voter-approved requirement that prospective voters document their U.S. citizenship in order to use a federal registration form that doesn't require such proof.

A federal appeals court threw out that part of Arizona's Proposition 200.

Arizona officials say they should be able to pass laws to stop illegal immigrants and other noncitizens from registering.

Opponents see it as an attack on vulnerable voter groups such as minorities, immigrants and the elderly.

Alabama, Georgia, Kansas and Tennessee have similar requirements, while 12 other states are contemplating similar legislation.

©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments

Currently in Columbus
74°
Partly Cloudy

Today

Full schedule
8:00
60 Minutes
9:00
ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night
11:00
10TV News @ 11PM
11:35
Wall to Wall Sports