A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Ohio from enforcing a state law requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration at Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices.

U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr., a Clinton appointee, granted a preliminary injunction in a 54-page opinion, finding that the requirement likely conflicts with the federal National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The NVRA, known as the Motor Voter Act, mandates that states allow simultaneous voter registration when applying for or renewing a driver's license and limits required information to the minimum necessary, which Ohio accepts as a signed attestation of citizenship under penalty of perjury in other registration methods.

Ohio's law, signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in 2025 as part of House Bill 54, had required applicants to present documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. The ruling also addressed the state's practice of offering registration only upon successful license approval rather than at the time of application, which the judge said violates the NVRA.

The injunction prevents the state from demanding citizenship documents before offering registration opportunities, including to applicants ultimately denied a license for lack of paperwork. It does not apply to those who indicate they are not U.S. citizens.

The lawsuit was filed by Red Wine & Blue and the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, announced plans to appeal the decision immediately.

The ruling comes ahead of the November 3 midterms in the battleground state, where Republicans have sought stricter verification measures. Nearly one-third of Ohio voters register through the BMV process.

Supporters of the blocked provision argued it helps prevent noncitizen voting, while critics said it creates unnecessary barriers for eligible citizens who lack easy access to documents.