Judge Blocks Ohio Law Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voting

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, concluding that a signed written attestation of citizenship is sufficient for eligibility assessment.

Frank LaRose, the Ohio Secretary of State, criticized the decision and announced an immediate appeal. He argued that the ruling forces the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to offer registration forms to individuals who cannot verify their citizenship. The law, originally signed by Governor Mike DeWine, aligns with efforts by President Donald Trump and other Republican state governments to tighten registration rules to prevent non-citizen voting.

The legal challenge was brought by the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, which argued the law created an unnecessary obstacle to voting. The ruling arrives shortly before the October 5 registration deadline for the November 3 midterm elections, featuring a competitive Senate race in Ohio that is viewed as critical for Democratic control of the Senate.