In a surprising decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed its July 18 ruling requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration in Arizona. The 2-1 decision on Thursday concluded that such documentation is unnecessary.
Judges Kim McLane Wardlaw and Ronald Gould, who formed the majority, emphasized that implementing this change close to the November elections would lead to “confusion and chaos.” Judge Patrick Bumatay dissented, arguing the original ruling was appropriate and raised separation of powers issues.
Arizona’s dual registration system permits those who can show proof of citizenship to vote in all elections, while those who cannot are restricted to “federal only” ballots. Senate President Warren Petersen has vowed to seek an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure that only American citizens vote.
Aaron Thacker, communications director for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, stated that election officials are now instructed not to reject voter registration applications without documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC), regardless of the form used.
