ACLU Challenges New Hampshire's Voter Citizenship Law
- A lawsuit has been filed against a New Hampshire law mandating proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for voting.
- The law, signed by Governor Chris Sununu, is set to take effect after the November elections and has been criticized for creating barriers to voting.
- The ACLU and other organizations argue that such laws could disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine the electoral process.
In New Hampshire, a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenging a newly enacted law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo identification for casting ballots. Signed by Republican Governor Chris Sununu on September 12, the law is set to take effect after the November elections. The ACLU argues that this law creates significant barriers to voting, potentially disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, names state officials as defendants and seeks to block the law's enforcement, citing previous court rulings against similar laws in other states. Critics, including the League of Women Voters, express concerns that the law will confuse voters and hinder participation in the electoral process. The ACLU highlights that illegal voting by noncitizens is extremely rare, and the law may exacerbate existing voting challenges rather than enhance election integrity. As the legal battle unfolds, the implications of this law could reshape voting access in New Hampshire and set precedents for similar legislation across the country.