Grand Canyon Times

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that new voters registering with a state form in Arizona must provide proof of citizenship to vote, effective immediately. This decision came as a response to an emergency stay application filed by Senate President Warren Petersen after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals made a controversial ruling in Mi Familia v. Adrian Fontes.

On August 1, a three-judge panel vacated an emergency stay issued by another Ninth Circuit panel on July 18, which temporarily allowed individuals in Arizona to register and vote without providing proof of citizenship. Federal law currently does not mandate citizenship documentation for voting in federal elections.

This legal dispute originated from opposition by activists to two laws passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2022, aimed at restricting voter registration to those who can confirm their legal U.S. citizenship. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on election security if non-U.S. citizens are allowed to vote.

"Our legal battle is far from over," stated President Petersen. He expressed gratitude for SCOTUS recognizing Arizona's sovereignty but highlighted ongoing issues with individuals being able to register using a federal form without proof of citizenship, potentially affecting presidential and congressional races.