The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a coalition of voting rights groups against the state of Louisiana following its passage of a proof of citizenship law that violates the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The NVRA does not allow states to require the collection of additional documentation to register to vote. In addition to the SPLC, the groups are represented by the Campaign Legal Center and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
The League of Women Voters of Louisiana (LWVLA), Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), the NAACP Louisiana State Conference and Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) are challenging the state’s new requirement that voter registration applicants include proof of United States citizenship when submitting applications. Advocates describe the law as vague and burdensome. The groups say it will create fear and confusion, disproportionately harming women, new voters, voters of color and historically disenfranchised groups who already face barriers in accessing the ballot. It will also hinder their ability to register voters, as many eligible citizens lack documentation to prove their citizenship.
The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana.
