(U.S. Supreme Court)

In a 7-2 decision written by Justice Antonin Scalia, the court said Arizona's proof of citizenship requirement -- passed by voters in 2004 -- went too far beyond the 1993 federal "motor voter" law that was designed to simplify voter registration procedures.

The "motor voter" law, passed in 1993, was created to expand voter registration and requires states to allow voters to fill out mail-in registration cards and swear their citizenship under penalty of perjury, but it does not require them to show proof.

Arizona Law Proposition 200, enacted in 2004, required separate physical proof of citizenship, such as an Arizona driver's license issued after 1996, a U.S. birth certificate, a passport or other similar document, or the state could reject the federal registration application form.

SEE ALSO: Maricopa County In Arizona Gives Wrong Election Date To Spanish Voters

Because of that law, more than 30,000 people were turned away for failing to provide documentation. Voter registration dropped by 44% in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, USA Today reported.

The ruling will also affect other states that attempt to add additional voting requirements,such as Alabama, Georgia Kansas and Tennessee, which have similar requirements. Twelve other states were also considering similar legislation, according to the Associated Press.

From the American Civil Liberties Union:

"For two decades, the 'motor voter' law has made it dramatically easier for Americans to register to vote by instituting a standard, uniform voter registration form nationwide," said Laughlin McDonald, special counsel and director emeritus of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project. "This decision reaffirms the principle that states may not undermine this critical law's effectiveness by adding burdens not required under federal law. In doing so, the court has taken a vital step in ensuring the ballot remain free, fair, and accessible for all citizens."

 

Read more at USA Today.