Judge Denies Motion to Halt Voter Citizenship Requirement

Lawyers challenging rule have given thousands to Clinton

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia declined to block a rule in three states that requires individuals to prove they are citizens when registering to vote using mail-in registration forms.

The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of left-wing groups, including the League of Women Voters and the NAACP, earlier this month.

Three lawyers representing the liberal organizations have given thousands in campaign contributions to Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton, who on numerous occasions has expressed opposition to voter identification laws on the campaign trial.

The suit argues that the executive director of the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC), Brian D. Newby, violated the Administrative Procedure Act when he granted requests by Georgia, Kansas, and Alabama to modify federal forms to require voter applicants using a national mail-in form to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

The groups sought to temporarily halt the new requirement. Richard J. Leon, the judge presiding over the issue, denied the request.

“Plaintiffs ask this Court to issue a temporary restraining order enjoining defendants the EAC and Mr. Newby from enforcing his decisions and ‘to take all actions necessary to restore the status quo ante…’ Upon consideration of the parties’ written and submissions and oral argument, the court DENIES plaintiffs’ motion,” the court order reads.

Leon rejected the request because the lawyers representing the left-wing groups could not prove that immediate and irreparable harm would occur without a stoppage of the requirement at this time.

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