Voting Restrictions Must Be Stopped

Washington, D.C.  – Today, the League and its Alabama, Georgia and Kansas affiliates were back in court seeking a preliminary injunction in their case against a requirement that voters in these three states provide proof of citizenship documents when registering to vote using the federal mail registration form.  

“If the illegal action undertaken by Mr. Newby is allowed to stand there will be substantial and continuing harm to voters and to our organizations,” said Elisabeth MacNamara, President of the League of Women Voters of the U.S.

“The League of Women Voters, with its state and local affiliates, operates one of the longest-running and largest nonpartisan voter registration efforts in the nation. The Alabama, Georgia and Kansas Leagues must be able to carry on with their work registering voters,” said MacNamara.

“A preliminary injunction means that the very fundamental work of democracy – registering eligible voters – will not be held up by the illegal steps taken by the Election Assistance Commission’s (EAC) Executive Director. These requirements are unlawful and add unnecessary confusion in a high-impact election year,” MacNamara said.

“Why in 2016 should some eligible voters be required to navigate an obstacle course in order to vote?” concluded MacNamara. “The League is prepared to knock down these hurdles each time they are thrown in the way.”

League President Elisabeth MacNamara is available to discuss this case and its impact on voters. Reporters may contact Kelly Ceballos at 202-263-1331 or [email protected] to set up interviews.

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The League of Women Voters is celebrating 96 years of Making Democracy Work® at every level of government. In 1920, the League was founded as an outgrowth of the movement that secured women the right to vote to help new voters engage with their government. Today the League empowers all voters to improve their local, state and national government. Learn more about the League of Women Voters and join our celebration!