Indiana Proof of Citizenship Requirement Challenge

A pro-voting lawsuit challenging Indiana laws requiring proof of citizenship to register, or remain registered, to vote.

Background

Four voter advocacy organizations – the League of Women Voters of Indiana, Common Cause Indiana, Hoosier Asian American Power, and Exodus Refugee Immigration – sued Indiana officials over new laws requiring certain voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register or remain registered to vote. The lawsuit targets two key provisions, which took effect on July 1: House Enrolled Act 1264, which directs the Indiana Election Division to compare the state’s voter registration list with BMV records to identify voters who were issued temporary ID numbers when they were noncitizens and require them to submit DPOC within 30 days or face removal from the rolls; and House Enrolled Act 1680, which imposes similar requirements on new registrants who provide temporary ID numbers on their applications. 

Together, the plaintiffs argue, these laws create a two-tiered voter registration system – relying on outdated and error prone data — that places heightened burdens on naturalized citizens while leaving those born in the United States unaffected. They argue that the measures violate the National Voter Registration Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They are asking the court to block their enforcement and compel Indiana officials to release public records explaining how the new rules are being implemented.

Why It Matters

The challenged provisions could disenfranchise thousands of lawful voters – especially naturalized citizens – who may not have immediate access to costly or time-consuming citizenship documentation. The measures also are part of a broader Republican drive to impose proof citizenship requirements for voter registration nationwide.

Latest Updates

• Oct. 21, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.