(The Center Square) – Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose wants the state legislature to allow him to require proof of citizenship on voter registration forms, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Under both state and federal law, it is already illegal for foreign nationals to vote in federal and state elections.
In a letter to Republican state legislative leaders in the House and Senate, LaRose called for legislation to require proof of citizenship to register to vote.
“Only Americans can participate in American elections. This is common sense and this is the law. Despite obstacles and a lack of support from the federal government, Ohio has been a pioneer in removing foreign nationals from voter rolls and referring violators of the law to prosecutors,” LaRose said.
“The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision creates an opportunity to require citizenship verification before the registration process, which would be a major step forward for future elections. I urge the Ohio Legislature to pass legislation that will further protect the integrity of Ohio's elections.”
Ohio law gives the Secretary of State exclusive authority to issue official voter registration forms, but does not allow the Secretary of State to require proof of citizenship.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, under an emergency order requested by Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, that voters must provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote through the state's voter registration form.
Arizona joined 23 other states in filing a brief in support of legislation requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
The ruling means that undocumented Arizonans will still be able to register as “federal-only” voters, a federal requirement that includes proof of citizenship. The change does not affect people who are already registered. State voter registrations submitted without ID will be rejected.
The legal battle began in opposition to a law passed in 2022 that would restrict voters who don't provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in state elections.
