Voter-ID rules suspended
9th
Circuit blocks Arizona’s Prop.
200
By Amanda J. Crawford
The Arizona-Republic
Arizonans won't
have to prove citizenship to register to vote or show identification at the
polls in November, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the controversial new voting
requirements passed in 2004 as part of Proposition 200.
Opponents argued the provisions were unconstitutional, amounting to a poll tax
that could keep legal voters from casting ballots.
The ruling is likely to be appealed by the state. But, as of now, those who had
problems registering because of the new requirements have until Monday to sign
up to vote on Nov. 7.
What
it means
• Arizonans have until Monday to register to vote in the Nov. 7 general
election. No proof of citizenship will be required.
• On Nov. 7, the polls will be run the old way: No photo identification or
proof of address will be required unless the courts overturn Thursday's order.
