A bill that would require people to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote was delayed Wednesday in the Senate. Three groups opposed the bill, but a ticking clock and the U.S. Supreme Court were more responsible for the hold up. The Supreme Court heard arguments this week on a similar law in Arizona, and Sen. Chip Campsen, a Charleston Republican who sponsored the S.C. bill, said he would prefer to wait on the high court’s decision before moving ahead. He also continued the bill’s consideration because the subcommittee ran out of time before finishing its discussion.
If approved, the bill would require people to show one of six documents, including an S.C. driver’s license or a passport, to prove they are U.S. citizens. The bill would not affect those who already are registered to vote in South Carolina.
Similar bills have been passed in other states, including Georgia. The Supreme Court is expected to issue an opinion on the Arizona law, which is being challenged over a possible violation of the National Voting Registration Act, which sets the federal voter registration process.
Under federal law, all prospective U.S. voters fill out a form, including checking a box that says they are a U.S. citizen, and then sign it.
Full Article: COLUMBIA, SC: SC senators stall proof of citizenship requirement to vote | Politics | The State.