According to the Justice Department, a new state law that requires voters to show proof of US citizenship is unconstitutional.
There is a replica of the Liberty Bell in front of the capitol building.
In order to register to vote in a federal election, people would need to provide proof of citizenship and their birthplace under the new law.
The assistant attorney general for the DOJ's civil rights division told reporters Tuesday that the law was a "textbook violation" of the 1993 National Voter registration act.
The congressman argued that showing your ID to vote is easy, common and necessary, and not discrimination.
"Our deep commitment to using every available tool to protect all Americans' right to vote and to ensure that their voices are heard in our democracy is reflected in this lawsuit," said Clarke.
The Supreme Court struck down an Arizona law that required proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, but ruled that the state could still require proof of citizenship to vote in state elections.
A wave of voter restriction laws has been passed by Republican-controlled states. The president baselessly claimed that he lost the election due to voter fraud. Proponents say they protect election integrity. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, six states passed new voter identification laws last year. Critics say the legislation creates an undue hurdle to take part in elections and it goes a step further than what federal courts have determined is permissible for voter registration requirements. Marilyn Rodriguez, a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, told NPR that thousands of Arizona voters could be stripped from the voter rolls.
Arizona was sued by the DOJ over voter ID requirements.
Arizona is being sued by the U.S. Justice Dept.
There is a new proof-of-citizenship voting law in Arizona.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
