Federal Lawsuit Challenges Ohio Proof-of-Citizenship Voter Rule

Ohio's new law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has sparked a federal lawsuit claiming it violates the National Voter Registration Act and could disenfranchise voters lacking documentation. The law, included in the state's transportation budget and effective since June 30, mandates BMV clerks to confirm citizenship before offering voter registration, replacing the prior sworn attestation method. Secretary of State Frank LaRose defends the rule as a necessary measure to prevent noncitizen voting and maintain election integrity, dismissing the lawsuit as baseless and politically motivated. Critics argue the requirement imposes unnecessary barriers, particularly affecting women with name changes and seniors who might not have citizenship papers, and that no evidence shows the previous attestation method was insufficient. This dispute reflects a broader national debate on balancing election security with voter accessibility, intensified by Republican-led efforts emphasizing election integrity. The ongoing litigation underscores tensions between state-level voting restrictions and federal protections designed to ensure broad voter participation.