Ohio can continue requiring proof of U.S. citizenship from people registering to vote at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles after a divided federal appeals court sided with the state Wednesday, just weeks before the midterm elections.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to pause a lower court ruling that had blocked the requirement. The decision allows Ohio to enforce its law while the appeal continues.

The groups Red Wine & Blue and the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans argued that the requirement violates the federal National Voter Registration Act by creating additional barriers for eligible voters. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose maintains the law helps prevent noncitizens from registering.

The ruling applies to people registering while obtaining, renewing, or replacing a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, Ohio identification card, or motorcycle license or endorsement.

A separate Ohio law that took effect March 20, 2026 requires voters whose citizenship is challenged at the polls to provide documentation to cast a regular ballot.

Those without documentation can cast provisional ballots but must provide proof within four days after Election Day for their votes to count.