Arizona decided to settle a lawsuit alleging that the state’s voter registration process was excessively burdensome.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Arizona Students’ Association filed the case against Arizona in 2017. They argued that the state’s dual voter registration system was burdensome and confusing. As a result, more than 26,000 voters were disenfranchised.
On Thursday, Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan announced the development on the case, which was triggered by a voter approved ballot measure in 2004. Proposition 200 requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship to become a registered voter.
However, the ballot initiative contradicts the National Voting Registration Act, which made it easier for all Americans to register to vote. Under the law, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is responsible for developing a national voter registration form to simplify the process. The form does not require proof of citizenship when registering. But they need to swear under penalty of perjury that they have the right to vote.
