Voting Rights Groups Sue Indiana Over Immigrant Voter Purges

The Government of Indiana has rejected or canceled the voter registrations of approximately 62% of immigrant residents flagged under House Enrolled Acts 1680 and 1264. These laws, which took effect July 1, 2025, require county officials to request physical proof of citizenship from anyone using temporary credential numbers on registration applications, such as those issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for visa or asylum applicants.

According to an analysis by University of Florida professor Michael McDonald, 1,625 individuals were purged or rejected after failing to provide documentation within a 30-day window. The total number of flagged individuals reached as high as 3,234, with 644 prospective voters rejected and 981 existing registrations canceled.

A coalition of voting rights organizations, including the League of Women Voters of Indiana and Common Cause Indiana, filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The groups are seeking a preliminary injunction to pause the law's enforcement ahead of the 2026 midterms, arguing the requirement unfairly burdens naturalized citizens.

Secretary of State Diego Morales defended the statute, asserting that providing proof of citizenship is a straightforward process. Proponents of the measure characterize the cross-checks as necessary security measures to ensure election integrity. A ruling on the requested injunction is expected later this summer.