Nearly half the state attorneys general in the U.S. have filed amicus briefs with the Supreme Court to back an emergency stay that will allow the State of Arizona to require U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections.
The Republican Party of Arizona filed an emergency application pending appeal from the U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit in support of HB 2492, a law requiring proof of citizenship to vote in presidential elections. The law mandates proof of citizenship for ballots, even if they are filed by mail.
“The Constitution gives states the power to set voter qualifications, and AZ is leading the charge to ensure ONLY CITIZENS vote in our elections,” the Arizona GOP tweeted. The brief was supported by attorneys general from 24 other states, including Texas, Florida, and Alabama.
The Dhillon Law Group, representing the Arizona GOP, argued that the Constitution allows states to require proof of citizenship to vote in elections. The non-partisan group Honest Elections Project also supported the law, stating that states have the right to secure their own elections.
An emergency application for stay by the Republican National Committee highlighted concerns about voter integrity, particularly with the presence of “illegal aliens” in the country. The application argued that the problem of non-citizen voting has likely worsened with the growing number of aliens in the U.S.
The case has sparked a debate about voter fraud and the need for stricter voter identification laws. The Supreme Court’s decision on the emergency stay could have significant implications for future elections in Arizona and potentially nationwide.
