by JD Davidson
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose wants the Legislature to allow him to require proof of citizenship on voter registration forms following a U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Both state and federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal and state elections.
In a letter sent to Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate, LaRose requested legislative action that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.
“America’s elections are for American citizens only. It’s common sense and the law. Despite obstacles and a lack of support from the federal government, Ohio has led the way in removing noncitizens from the voter rolls and referring those who break the law to prosecutors,” LaRose said. “With a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, we now have the ability to require a citizenship check before registrations can be processed. This would be a huge step forward for future elections, and I ask the Ohio General Assembly to enact legislation that will further protect the integrity of Ohio’s elections.”
Ohio law gives the Secretary of State the exclusive authority to issue an official voter registration form but does not allow him to require proof of citizenship.
At the beginning of this monthThe U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that voters must provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote through the state’s voter registration form, an emergency order issued at the request of Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen.
Arizona joins 23 other states that have filed a brief supporting a law requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
The ruling still allows Arizonans without ID to register to vote as “federal only” voters, a federal requirement that includes proof of citizenship. The change does not apply to people who are already registered. State voter registrations submitted without ID will be rejected.
The legal battle comes as a result of a challenge to a law passed in 2022 that would limit the ability of voters who did not provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in state elections.
– – –
Born in Ohio, J.D. Davidson is a seasoned journalist with more than 30 years of experience at newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor Central Square.
Photo “Frank LaRose” by Frank LaRose. Background photo “Election Day” by Phil Roeder. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
