Federal judge blocks enforcement of Ohio proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Ohio's requirement for voters to show proof of citizenship when registering at a motor vehicle bureau. U.S. District Court Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. ruled that the requirement likely conflicts with the National Voter Registration Act. The injunction suspends the practice ahead of the midterm election registration deadline. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose plans to appeal the decision, arguing the requirement is necessary to prevent ineligible individuals from registering. This ruling follows similar legal challenges in other states with new proof-of-citizenship laws.

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked an Ohio law that required proof of US citizenship for residents registering to vote while applying for a driver's license. US District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. granted a preliminary injunction, ruling that the law likely violates the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by demanding more information than necessary. The judge stated that a signed attestation of citizenship is sufficient for election officials to determine eligibility. He also emphasized that Ohio must offer voter registration opportunities when a driver's license application is submitted, not after its approval. This law was an effort by state Republicans to address unproven claims of noncitizen voting.