Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Law on Voter Registration

Summary of Article: The Supreme Court struck down an Arizona law saying that in order to vote, residents must show proof of citizenship. The Court said the "proof of citizenship" requirement was illegal because it conflicts with the Motor Voter Act, which says that it is forbidden for states to demand more information than that listed on the federal voter form. States can reject applications to vote by non-residents/non-citizens by finding proof of illegality through other means. Arizona claims it created the law to combat voter fraud; since enacted, voter registration has dropped by 44%.

Discussion with Kids:

• How are laws created? (By government officials, by the community, through resolutions)
• What happens if a law is bad or hurts people? (Someone hurt by the law can sue to get it struck down. If they lose their argument, it can be appealed to the Supreme Court)
• The Supreme Court recently heard arguments about a law in Arizona that some claimed hurt people. Explain above.
• Who claims to have been hurt by this law? Why does Arizona say it is a good law? 
• The Court struck the law down. What do you think of this and why? 
• What can Arizona do to discover voter fraud instead? Why is voter fraud a problem?