The Democratic National Committee plans to sue Arizona over a new law requiring additional proof of citizenship to register to vote. - POLITICO
The law could be a bankshot challenge to Congress’ authority over elections.
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What’s happening: The Democratic National Committee and the Arizona Democratic Party are planning a lawsuit over a law in Arizona that demands further proof of citizenship to register to vote, creating a bifurcated system in the state for voters casting a ballot in federal elections.
What’s this law? Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, signed a GOP-authored law last month that tightens proof of citizenship requirements to vote in the state, which is already required for elections there.
"Arizona currently has about 31,000 people registered as federal-only voters. Under the new law, applications for federal forms will be scrutinized by the state for evidence of citizenship. If it was not provided, the person couldn’t vote in presidential elections or vote by mail, and officials would have to turn the names of noncitizens who attempted to register over to the state Attorney General's Office for possible prosecution."
What is their complaint? The DNC contends that the law violates the 1993 law because it creates a split system for federal-only voters and imposes added burdens on federal registrants, among other things. It also makes constitutional due process claims.
“This undemocratic move is a clear violation of federal law,” DNC chairman Jaime Harrison said in a statement. “That is why the DNC is taking action to ensure that all eligible Arizona voters are given an equal opportunity to participate in our elections, and we stand ready to step in to defend the freedom to vote wherever partisan lawsuits are brought to attack voters’ ability to cast a ballot.”
Wait, so how is this a run-around of Congress’ election authority? Besides needling at the 1993 law’s registration form, the law also could disqualify voters who register with the federal form from casting a ballot in the presidential election.
This is a nod to clauses in the Constitution that dictate electoral college electors and congressional elections, respectively. States typically harmonize election laws to avoid voter confusion, but here Arizona Republicans are explicitly trying to drive a wedge between them.
House will meet for a pro forma session — and recess for 10 days. Pelosi presser. Senate is out until Monday.
Here's what's driving the congressional calendar on Friday, April 29, 2022.
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source: https://www.politico.com/minutes/congress/04-29-2022/
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