Written by Mark Thompson.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Thursday, declaring that illegal immigrants are not permitted to vote in Arizona. This decision, however, is only applicable through the primary elections, as reported by Votebeat Arizona. With an appeals court scheduled to review the case in September, there remains a possibility that Gov. Katie Hobbs’s controversial election-law loophole, which could allow illegal immigrants to vote in federal elections, might be reversed before the Nov. 5 general election. The timing leaves little room for additional remedies if needed.
Currently, Arizona law mandates proof of citizenship for state elections but not for federal ones. With Democrats in control, recent advertisements have encouraged illegal immigrants to apply for ballots, warning that without ID, they would only receive federal ballots. The 9th Circuit’s temporary stay now requires proof of citizenship for those registering to vote in both state and federal elections. This decision reverses a lower court ruling which had argued that the National Voter Registration Act preempted the need for proof of citizenship for federal elections, even if Arizona could require it for state and local elections.
Political Reactions to the Ruling
Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen hailed the ruling as a victory for those who value free and fair elections. “Only U.S. citizens should be allowed to vote in our elections,” Petersen wrote in response to the decision. He criticized the radical left officials in Arizona who reject this notion, disrespecting the voices of lawful voters. According to Petersen, the ultimate solution requires action from the United States Congress to ensure that only lawful U.S. citizens can vote in federal races.
Not everyone shared Petersen’s enthusiasm. Progressive Arizona election lawyer Jim Barton described the ruling as “bad news,” expressing concern that it might lead to lower voter turnout if only citizens are allowed to vote. This highlights the ongoing debate between those advocating for stricter voter ID laws and those who argue that such measures disenfranchise voters.
The Road Ahead: September’s Appeal
The upcoming appeal in September will be critical in determining the future of Arizona’s voting laws. If the court overturns the current ruling, it could open the door for illegal immigrants to participate in federal elections, sparking a significant political and legal battle. The current decision underscores the importance of verifying citizenship to maintain the integrity of elections, yet it also raises questions about accessibility and voter suppression.
As the case progresses, both sides are gearing up for a fierce legal fight. Supporters of the ruling argue that it safeguards the electoral process, while opponents claim it unfairly targets marginalized communities. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing election laws nationwide.
Our Take
The 9th Circuit Court’s decision to temporarily block illegal immigrants from voting in Arizona is a crucial step in preserving the integrity of our elections. While ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote may seem like common sense, it is clear that this notion is not universally accepted. The controversy highlights a deeper issue within our political system, where efforts to maintain free and fair elections are often met with resistance. The ruling serves as a reminder that the integrity of our electoral process must be upheld, and it is imperative for Congress to take decisive action to ensure that only lawful U.S. citizens are voting in federal races.
