Proof Of Citizenship Bill May Violate Federal Law
Posted: May 20, 2010 9:43 AM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee's attorney general said legislation that requires proof of citizenship before registering to vote would violate a federal law meant to get more people to vote.

The opinion released Wednesday by Attorney General Bob Cooper said the proposal would break the so-called Motor Voter Act, a 17-year-old law that requires states to let people register to vote at state agencies and by mail.

The opinion comes after the Senate approved a bill earlier this month that would eliminate mail-in voter registration in Tennessee and give election administrators discretion to reject voters who cannot prove they are citizens. Proof would include a driver's license or birth certificate.

The House also passed a different bill earlier this month, and lawmakers must work out differences before the legislation is sent to the governor.


http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=12514212