Voting Rights Groups Sue Federal Election Officials

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – A coalition of voting rights groups have sued a federal elections official who required residents of Kansas, Alabama and Georgia to provide proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote using a national form.

The federal lawsuit, filed late Friday, also names as defendant the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. It was brought by the League of Women Voters, Project Vote, the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, among others.

Their complaint contends the decision by executive director Brian Newby will hurt voter registration drives and deprive eligible voters of the right to vote in the presidential primary elections. It seeks a court order blocking the changes.

EAC did not immediately respond to phone messages and an email.