Voting Rights Groups Sue Louisiana, Wyoming Over New Proof-of-Citizenship Laws

Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging state laws in Louisiana and Wyoming that require voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, with critics arguing these laws impose unnecessary barriers and may disenfranchise vulnerable populations. In Louisiana, Senate Bill 436 mandates citizenship documentation but lacks clarity on acceptable proof and submission methods, prompting a coalition of voting rights groups to sue, claiming the law violates federal statutes and constitutional rights by creating a chilling effect on voter registration and disproportionately impacting minorities, low-income individuals, young voters, and naturalized citizens. These groups highlight that existing federal law already requires voters to attest to citizenship under penalty of perjury, and there is little evidence of noncitizen voting in the state. Similarly, in Wyoming, House Bill 156 demands proof of residency and citizenship, leading to a lawsuit asserting the law breaches state and federal regulations and threatens legitimate voters' rights. Supporters of these laws, including state officials, argue that such measures are necessary to uphold election integrity, while opponents view them as politically motivated restrictions aligned with broader Republican efforts like the SAVE Act to tighten voter eligibility. The ongoing legal battles reflect a national debate over voting rights, election security, and the balance between preventing fraud and ensuring access to the ballot.