In a stunning reversal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned its previous ruling from July 18, which required proof of citizenship for voter registration in Arizona. The court’s 2-1 decision on Thursday now states that such documentation is unnecessary.
The reversal was based on concerns that a change this close to the November elections would lead to “confusion and chaos,” according to Judges Kim McLane Wardlaw and Ronald Gould. In contrast, Judge Patrick Bumatay dissented, asserting that the earlier decision was correct and emphasized the separation of powers issues.
Arizona currently employs a two-track registration system. Voters who can show proof of citizenship can vote in all elections, while those who cannot are limited to “federal only” ballots, voting only in federal races. Following the ruling, Senate President Warren Petersen vowed to seek an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure only American citizens vote in elections.
Election officials in Arizona are now instructed not to reject voter registration applications submitted without documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC), regardless of the form used, as stated by Aaron Thacker, communications director for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
