Tennessee to review proof of citizenship ruling

Friday, June 14, 2013, Vol. 37, No. 24

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee election officials plan to review a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that says states can't demand proof of citizenship from people registering to vote in federal elections unless they get federal or court approval to do so.

The justices' 7-2 ruling on Monday complicates efforts in Arizona and other states to bar voting by people who are in the country illegally.

Tennessee passed a law about two years ago that allows state election officials to purge noncitizen residents from election rolls.

Anyone listed as a noncitizen and registered to vote has 30 days to present proof of citizenship or be purged from the rolls.

Secretary of State spokesman Blake Fontenay told The Associated Press on Monday that election officials hadn't seen the high court ruling, but planned to review it to see if it affects Tennessee.