Louisiana Federal Voter Registration Form Changes Request

An anti-voting lawsuit challenging the EAC’s denial of Louisiana’s attempt to enforce its new proof of citizenship requirements on the federal voter registration form.

Background

Louisiana filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) after the agency refused to approve changes to the state-specific instructions on the federal voter registration form. The dispute stems from a 2024 Louisiana law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, which the state sought to implement by requesting that applicants provide additional identifying information, such as an immigration number or, alternatively, place of birth, sex, and mother’s maiden name on the federal form The EAC rejected the request following a 2–2 deadlock among commissioners, meaning it failed to secure the majority approval required for adoption. 

Louisiana argues that this denial violates the Administrative Procedure Act because the EAC failed to take required action and exceeded its statutory authority by overriding what information the state deems necessary to determine voter eligibility. Louisiana further argues that, if the National Voter Registration Act is construed to give the EAC authority to limit the state’s ability to determine voter eligibility, then that provision is unconstitutional because it infringes on states’ power to set voter qualifications. Louisiana asks the court to invalidate the EAC’s decision, compel approval of its requested changes to the federal registration form, and limit the federal government’s ability to block similar state requirements in the future. 

Why It Matters

The lawsuit comes amid a broader push by Republicans to enact proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration in Congress, state legislatures and the White House. These efforts are frequently justified by claims of widespread noncitizen voting, despite repeated findings that such instances are exceedingly rare. 

Latest Updates

• May 4, 2026: PILF filed a motion to intervene as a plaintiff.
• April 17, 2026: The National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Chapter, filed a motion to intervene as a defendant.
• April 14, 2026: Louisiana filed its complaint.