Voter registration won't change despite Court of Appeals ruling

April 17, 2012

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday on an Arizona law that requires voters to provide proof of citizenship when they register to vote and when they cast their ballots. The opinion may have little immediate impact as KJZZ’s Al Macias reports.

AL MACIAS: The appellate court upheld part of the voter approved statute, ruling that Arizona can require identification at the polls. The court also ruled the state can require proof of citizenship if applicants are submitting a state voter registration form. But Arizona can not require that same proof if voters are submitting a federal voter registration form. State Elections Director Amy Chan says for now, nothing will change

AMY CHAN: We’re very concerned about maintaining the integrity of our voter rolls. That’s why we want to appeal and maintain the status quo until we get to the Supreme Court and they make the ultimate decision for us.

MACIAS: Chan says that means the state will continue requesting proof of citizenship every time someone registers to vote.