Federal Judge Blocks Ohio Voter Citizenship Proof Law

U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday blocking an Ohio law that required residents to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote at motor vehicle offices. The judge ruled that the requirement likely conflicts with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, stating that a signed written attestation of citizenship is sufficient for eligibility assessment. He further found that Ohio illegally limited registration offers only to those who successfully obtained a driver's license, rather than all applicants.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose criticized the decision and announced an immediate appeal, arguing the ruling forces the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to offer registration forms to individuals who cannot verify citizenship. The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine in March 2025, aligns with efforts by President Donald Trump to tighten registration rules. Trump is currently urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act to establish similar federal proof-of-citizenship requirements nationwide.

The lawsuit was brought by the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans and Red Wine & Blue. The injunction comes ahead of the October 5 registration deadline for the November 3 midterm elections, which include a competitive Senate race viewed as critical for Democratic control of the Senate. Separately, the Ohio Ballot Board has approved a November constitutional amendment to require government-issued photo identification to vote.