Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed HB2492, which imposes new proof-of-citizenship requirements to register to vote.
“Today is a historic day for Arizona and a great victory for Arizonans and all Americans alike. The signing into law of Arizona House Bill 2492, which requires verification of U.S. citizenship to be eligible to vote in Arizona elections, is a giant step toward ensuring elections are easy, convenient, and secure in our state, said Rep. Jake Hoffman, sponsor of the bill. “HB 2492 is an incredibly well-crafted piece of legislation that is on sound legal footing and broadly supported by voters of all political parties. I am confident that should Democrats challenge HB 2492 in court it will only serve to further reinforce its clear constitutionality.”
“Election integrity means counting every lawful vote and prohibiting any attempt to illegally cast a vote,” Governor Ducey said in a letter explaining his support for the legislation. This bill “is a balanced approach that honors Arizona’s history of making voting accessible without sacrificing security in our elections.”
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House Bill (H.B.) 2492 requires Federal Only Voters, who are only eligible for casting a vote in federal elections, in Arizona to provide documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC). If they do not, they will not be eligible to vote in a presidential election or by mail. County recorders must also reject state voter registration applications that do not include proof of citizenship.
“I want to thank Governor Ducey for signing HB2492,” said former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould, who has studied the law carefully. “This new law, which requires proof of citizenship for state and federal elections, provides a critical protection for election integrity in Arizona,” said Gould. “This important piece of legislation, like all common-sense elections laws, will boost voter confidence and increase voter participation in Arizona.”
“Federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. Arizona law prohibits non-citizens from voting for all state and local offices, and requires proof of citizenship,” Governor Ducey said in the letter. “H.B. 2492 provides clarity to Arizona law on how officials process federal form voter registration applications that lack evidence of citizenship.”
Additionally, the legislation adds relevant databases that counties must check so voter rolls are well maintained. It also ensures the Arizona Attorney General has the information needed to enforce violations of election integrity.