Supreme Court partly grants GOP request to enforce Arizona's proof-of-citizenship voting law

[JohnSJ]

Source: NBC News

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Thursday partly granted a request from the Republican National Committee to make Arizona enforce measures requiring people to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.

In what is likely to be one of many election-related disputes to come before the court ahead of the November election, the justices allowed for one of three provisions of the state law to be enforced.

The vote was 5-4 on allowing limited enforcement of the law with conservative justices in the majority. One conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined the three liberal justices in dissent. The court, in a brief order, did not explain its reasoning.

Three conservative justices -- Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch -- said they would have allowed all three provisions to be enforced.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-partly-grants-gop-request-enforce-arizonas-proof-citizen-rcna167192

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I wonder how many Americans can find their Birth Certificates. I have mine, but I seriously doubt very many.

We have two months for voters to get their proof together because we know that the nazis will be challenging every Democrat and person of color to show proof.

[BOSSHOG]

1. I'm a borderline paperwork Nerd

I know where all our “papers” are. Locked up safe and secure in the bank 6 blocks north, with easy access. And I’ve checked to ensure my wife and I are still registered in our county. I’ve missed one election in 52 years, a military retiree, my crime spree consists of two speeding tickets in 1984. I want “them” to fuck with my right to vote. First step, demand a provisional ballot, then embarrass the freedom hating scum, loudly and often. Don’t fuck with freedom. See Hitler for example.

And fuck the three stooges who have no business on any court.

[ScratchCat]

2. The Arizona AG needs to say "Sorry"

Its up to the AG to enforce the State law and its not the jurisdiction of the SCOTUS.

[LeftInTX]

3. Ugh!! What,,how???

I don't live in AZ, but you need a birth certificate to register? How does that even work?

After researching the law a bit, you do not need to provide a birth certificate! Documents that prove you are a US citizen will also work. The most common document is an AZ driver's license. Yes, it's a pain, but most have driver's license.
The out of state license is confusing. (Each state has different types of licenses for non-citizens, so I guess AZ didn't want to deal with verification) Apparently "Real ID" is not acceptable, because non-citizens can also obtain a "Real ID".

Accepted Documentary Proof of Citizenship (DPOC)

Driver Licenses and Identification Cards
Arizona Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card Number
An Arizona driver license or non-driver identification card number (AZDL/ID#) issued by AZMVD after October 1, 1996 constitutes valid DPOC. To be deemed satisfactory:
(1) the AZDL/ID# must be verified against AZMVD records
(2) the verification must not return a result that indicates non-citizenship (i.e., an "F-type" license) .
Voters with a valid AZDL/ID# may register online through www.ServiceArizona.com. Or may complete the appropriate box on the paper voter registration form.

Out-of-State Driver License or Identification Card- Photocopy Required
An out-of-state driver license or identification card may constitute satisfactory DPOC if it was issued by the state's driver license-issuing agency and indicates on the face of the license or card that the person provided proof of U.S. citizenship in that state.
Enhanced driver licenses or identification cards from other states issued in compliance with the Departments of State and Homeland Security's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative satisfy Arizona's DPOC requirement. These states display an American flag on the face of the license or card.

Other acceptable:

Birth Certificate
Passport
Citizenship and Immigration Documents
Tribal Identification Numbers and Documents
https://azsos.gov/elections/about-elections/elections-procedures/vr-procedures

[cstanleytech]

4. I suspect that a Real ID would be accepted since its a goverment document.

So, what they want for the most part is acceptable, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

[LeftInTX]

5. I don't think it can because you don't need to be a US citizen to obtain one.

Now to us, it seems that way, but you don't. Apparently you don't need a birth certificate to obtain a REAL ID.

Yes, non-citizens who are lawfully admitted to the United States may be eligible for a REAL ID license or identification card. This includes non-citizens with permanent or temporary residence, conditional permanent resident status, asylum applications, or refugee status. To be eligible, non-citizens must also provide proof of identity, state residency, and current legal presence in the U.S.. This could include a social security card, DACA, or TPS status

https://www.dhs.gov/archive/state-implementation#:~:text=Aliens%20lawfully%20admitted%20for%20permanent,ID%20license%20or%20identification%20card.

I think REAL ID, is basically a "domestic airline" security thing. Too bad, my Real ID does not indicate that I'm a US citizen. I used my birth certificate to get the darn thing. (grhhh)

We have lots of non-citizens in the US (student visas, stem visas, work visas) who fly domestically.

[bluestarone]

7. Don't know about evryone here, I know This is our future, especially in red states.

Not much can be done about this EXCEPT help everyone know, understand and help them get it. Very important!!

[barbtries]

11. If we can elect more Democrats

we can ease back into sanity and a world where everyone is encouraged to vote. only republicans do everything they can think up to discourage voting because they know if everyone votes, they will lose. every fucking time

[cstanleytech]

13. If it states their citizenship status though it should pass the muster though i dont know if it has that personally.

[LeftInTX]

16. My Texas DL, which is a Real ID, does not indicate my citizenship.

AZ is saying the photocopy of the out of state DL must indicate citizenship. Non-citizens can also obtain a TDL, but it doesn't appear that on the surface their DL appears different than mine? (I can't find an example)

Is there a way from AZ to check? Probably, if they contact Texas, they can figure it out.

But it doesn't appear the law allows for this. It says the "photocopy must state citizenship"

__

So let's say I wanna move to AZ and want to register to vote. I won't be able to vote in state and local elections based on my Texas Driver's License. I would need my BC or passport to register to vote or obtain an AZ DL or AZ state ID.

Nothing about citizenship. But for some silly reason veterans have a notation...WTF?




Mine is like the one in the upper left.

[pnwmom]

18. And your birth certificate wouldn't be enough

if you married and changed your surname. You'd need your marriage certificate, too.

[slightlv]

19. And don't forget the divorce papers, too! n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Looks like there's a pretty good way around it. From the article:

The provision the court allowed the state to enforce would require officials to turn away attempts to register to vote using the state's own registration form if the person has no documentary proof of citizenship.

But the court kept on hold separate provisions that would prevent people without proof of citizenship from voting in presidential elections or by mail if they registered to vote using a different, federal registration form.

[LeftInTX]

8. Yes, but they can only vote in federal elections, not state and local.

If you have an AZ DL or state ID you have the documentation that you need.

You can also use a passport and a few other documents.

Bottom line: This hurts those with DL from other states who do not have a passport or BC. And those without an AZ DL or State ID.

[cstanleytech]

14. Hmm would a government ID along with a current utility bill work though?

[LeftInTX]

15. Passport and/or Arizona issued ID. Issue seems to affect those with out of state driver's licenses.

(Those who have moved into the state recently or whatever)

The state can issue an ID, but the ID probably requires proof of US citizenship.

[MayReasonRule]

9. I Carry My Passport At All Times For Just In Fuckin' Case Situations

I just never know whom I might encounter that wants to attempt to deny my documents as being valid.

[barbtries]

12. i don't carry my passport, but i do always have my passport card

and it has saved me at the bank when i went looking for my DL and it wasn't there! I ordered a copy, then my DL showed up in the drier one day. sigh.

i declined the real ID because when I fly I just use my passport card.

[Lovie777]

10. This will also cause problems for GQP voters as well.....................................

[pnwmom]

17. For many women, it's worse than finding your birth certificate.

You'd have to find your marriage certificate, too, if you're using your husband's last name.

So this law discriminates against married women by making it harder for them to vote.

[LeftInTX]

20. I had no trouble obtaining a passport in my married name using my birth certificate.

You must provide proof of citizenship to obtain a US passport.

You then supply two other forms of ID. One was my DL, the other was my Social Security Card.

[pnwmom]

21. Did you supply a marriage certificate to get your driver's license?

In my state you need that if the name on your birth certificate isn't the same name you're using now.

[LeftInTX]

22. That was almost 40 years ago. No.

[pnwmom]

23. Well, I tried to get a Real Driver's license last year

and learned my current one plus my birth certificate isn't enough. I have to dig up my marriage certificate too.

[LeftInTX]

24. Didn't need my marriage certificate when I got my real ID. I did bring my old DL, BC and Social Sec Card

[pnwmom]

25. Is your name the same as the one on your birth certificate?

To get a REAL-ID compliant Texas driver license or ID, you need:

An original or certified copy of a Birth Certificate or an unexpired U.S. Passport Book or Card
Social Security Card
Current Texas Vehicle Registration or Title
Current Car Insurance Policy or Car Insurance Statement
If your name changed, legal documents showing proof of name change from your birth name

https://www.texas.gov/driver-services/texas-real-id/#:~:text=ID%20compliant%20card-,Getting%20a%20Texas%20REAL%20ID,driver%20license%20or%20ID%20online.

[LeftInTX]

26. Yes, it changed. I didn't know I would be applying for a Real ID

It was during Covid and it was real hard to get appointments to renew your license. So I had to make a special appointment and listed all this stuff I needed to bring. I was WTF is this about? Anyway, I brought my Birth Certificate, SS Card and oh yes, I also brought my passport. I would have been floored if it would have asked for my marriage certificate.

Then two years later, I had to renew the darn thing due to a mix up. (I thought my license was expiring in 2020, but it really expired in 2022) I had to lug out all the junk again because it said to bring all those documents to my appointment. (However, I didn't need any of them when I actually renewed my license in 2022). I had last renewed my license in 2010, so I thought the renewal was due in 2020, but the actual expiration was in 2022 (I thought it was every 10 years). However, because I already had a Real ID, I didn't need to bring all that other junk when I renewed.

The documents it said to bring are in the actual DPS appointment registration portal.

[pnwmom]

27. Your passport is what showed your name change. You couldn't have gotten one

in your married name unless you showed a marriage certificate to get your passport.

Millions of Americans don't have passports or real ID's. And people who have changed their names will have to provide documentation of the name change in order to vote, with a passport, a real ID or a marriage certificate.

[LeftInTX]

28. I got my passport in 2010 and I can't remember if I needed my marriage certificate or some other documentation of name

change at the time. I know I had to order my birth certificate, because they wouldn't accept the old microfiche one.

[pnwmom]

29. The point is that anyone who applies NOW will need that extra documentation

if they want to register to vote and don't already have a passport or real ID.

And a large fraction of the population still doesn't.

[LeftInTX]

30. Since 1994, I believe all 50 states have required either a SS# or DL if you have them

It's part of the federal Help America Vote Act.
There is also an option if you do not have one of those numbers.

In Texas, you need to show a state issued ID, military ID or passport when you vote. (That's a Texas law)

If you have an AZ DL or AZ state ID, you can vote in all of the elections in AZ.


When I went to renew my DL in 2020, I had no idea I was getting a Real ID.

I don't even see "non Real ID" driver's licenses on the Texas DPS website anymore. I think "Real ID" is the only option in Texas now. I don't know if it's the same in other states.

Also in 2025, we're gonna need Real ID to access the federal buildings, including courthouses etc.

Some states that border Canada have Enhanced DL, which has stricter requirements than REAL ID, (Those Enhanced DL can be used to travel into Canada)

[pnwmom]

31. But in years past they're required only a REGULAR driver's license, not a REAL ID.

Decades ago, I moved from one state to another and all I needed to get one was my driver's license from my former state . And then I only needed that new driver's license to be able to register to vote.

Even now Arizona is the only state in the country that requires people to prove their citizenship to be able to vote. In other states, all you have to do is sign a statement that you're a citizen -- on pain of committing a felony if you lie.

MAYBE in 2025 they'll finally require a Real ID everywhere. But they've already pushed out the deadline several times, so we'll see.

If you fly regularly, you’ve probably seen signs saying that the Real ID Act will soon go into full effect. When that happens, all domestic travelers using a driver’s license at TSA checkpoints will have to show a federally compliant one—or be turned away. On May 7, exactly a year ahead of the latest purported enforcement date, a USA Today story bore the headline “The 2025 Real ID Deadline for New Licenses Is Really Real This Time, DHS Says.” Maybe the Department of Homeland Security needs to pinkie-swear to make the 2025 date really, really real, because those airport signs and travel stories have been telling us about a final deadline for more than 15 years. And yet, that deadline has never arrived. If past extensions are any indication, it probably never will.

. . . .The deadline has been delayed again and again. The initial holdup was that many states bristled at federal encroachment on their turf and at the cost of revamping their license systems to meet the new standards. More recently, Homeland Security has cited the slow uptake of Real ID cards—the department estimated last year that 44 percent of the population did not have a compliant license—and administrative backlogs related to the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/real-id-deadline-will-never-arrive/678370/