(Washington) – Today Congressman John B. Larson, Chairman of the Task Force on Election Reform, released the following statement on the Supreme Court decision on Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. In a 7-2 decision, the Court ruled that States cannot institute additional voter requirements to the existing federal registration process:

"The right of American citizens to cast a ballot must be protected and strengthened. Today the Supreme Court ruled in favor of voters across the nation, confirming that states cannot weaken our rights with burdensome registration requirements. I applaud the Supreme Court for this decision, which will help eliminate voter suppression across the country."

Today's ruling stems from a challenge to a 2004 Arizona law that required, in addition to federal safeguards already in place, further proof of citizenship for those registering to vote. In their decision the Supreme Court also cited that the Arizona Law conflicts with, and is preempted by, the National Voter Registration Act, passed by Congress in 1993. Congress has authority over when, where and how elections are held under the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

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