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NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Drew Courtney or Josh Glasstetter,Phone: 202-467-4999,Email:,media@pfaw.org

Appeals Court Strikes Down Arizona Proof of Citizenship Law

In
a
victory for voting rights advocates yesterday, a federal appeals court
in Phoenix struck down a key part of an Arizona law requiring voters to
produce
proof of citizenship before registering to vote. The court ruled that
the state
law requiring proof of citizenship is preempted by existing federal
election
laws. People For the American Way Foundation was a plaintiff in the
case.

Michael B. Keegan, President of
People For American Way Foundation, issued the following statement:

WASHINGTON

In
a
victory for voting rights advocates yesterday, a federal appeals court
in Phoenix struck down a key part of an Arizona law requiring voters to
produce
proof of citizenship before registering to vote. The court ruled that
the state
law requiring proof of citizenship is preempted by existing federal
election
laws. People For the American Way Foundation was a plaintiff in the
case.

Michael B. Keegan, President of
People For American Way Foundation, issued the following statement:

"Voter ID and proof of citizenship laws have been among the most
pernicious products of the right-wing voter suppression campaign that has long
sought to keep young, poor, and minority voters from the polls. This year,
right-wing groups have jumped more enthusiastically than ever on the mythical
problem of 'voter fraud' in order to suppress registration and
intimidate potential voters. This decision is an important reminder of the real
motivation behind the Right's anti-'voter fraud' campaign: to
keep large groups of citizens from participating in our democracy.

"No state should be allowed to circumvent federal law in order to turn
citizens away from the polls. This decision is an important victory for all
citizens of Arizona,
and for the strength of our democracy."

People For the American Way works to build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. We fight against right-wing extremism and the injustice it fosters.

1 (800) 326-7329