Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Arizona Proof of Citizenship Voting Law!

[Better Believe It]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2010
Appeals Court Strikes Down Arizona Proof of Citizenship Law

WASHINGTON - October 27 - 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.”

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People For the American Way is dedicated to making the promise of America real for every American: Equality. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. The right to seek justice in a court of law. The right to cast a vote that counts. The American Way. Our vision is a vibrantly diverse democratic society in which everyone is treated equally under the law, given the freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams, and encouraged to participate in our nation’s civic and political life. Our America respects diversity, nurtures creativity and combats hatred and bigotry

http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2010/10/27-15

[blondeatlast]

1. YES! Deliberate, strategic disenfranchisement is all the rage here in minority

neighborhoods; I'm glad to see justice overcome hatred once again! :bounce:

[Better Believe It]

2. This is good news that I hope more DU'ers will celebrate.

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3. For weekend DU'ers