A federal judge has scheduled a Dec. 13 hearing on a lawsuit by Arizona and Kansas asking a federal agency to help them fully enforce proof-of-citizenship requirements for new voters.
U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren in Wichita will hear the two states' request for a preliminary injunction to force the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to modify a national voter registration form.
The states want the agency to include instructions for their states' residents to comply with laws requiring new voters to present a birth certificate, passport or other proof of their U.S. citizenship when registering.
The injunction the states are seeking would take effect before their lawsuit is heard.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Arizonans registering to vote using the federal registration form were not required to prove their citizenship. State law requires it, and the form from the state includes required proof.
The states contend their laws prevent election fraud. Critics say they suppress voter turnout.