On April 10, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill mandating that individuals provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The legislation passed with a 220-208 vote, primarily along party lines, with four Democrats joining Republicans in support.
The SAVE Act 2025 requires all applicants using the federal voter registration form to present documentary proof of citizenship in person at their local election office. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, a government-issued photo ID card presented alongside a certified birth certificate, or other specified forms of identification. Additionally, the bill mandates that states remove noncitizens from voter rolls and imposes penalties on election officials who register voters lacking proper documentation.
Proponents, including Republican lawmakers, argue that the legislation is essential to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections, thereby safeguarding election integrity. U.S. Representative Bryan Steil of Wisconsin stated that the bill aims to "restore Americans' confidence in our elections" and prevent noncitizens from voting. He emphasized that allowing noncitizens to vote would "cancel out the vote of a legal citizen."
Democrats and voting rights advocates express significant concerns about the potential impact of the SAVE Act. They warn that the legislation could lead to widespread voter disenfranchisement, particularly affecting marginalized groups such as married women who have changed their names, the elderly, military personnel, people of color, and working-class citizens who may lack the necessary documentation.
For instance, married women might face difficulties providing multiple documents to prove their citizenship if they have changed their names due to marriage or divorce. A case in New Hampshire highlighted this issue when a woman was unable to register and vote because she lacked the marriage certificate showing her name change.
Voting rights groups also point out that the bill could disproportionately affect older individuals in assisted care facilities, military service members who cannot solely use their military IDs, and working-class Americans who may not have the time or resources to navigate bureaucratic requirements. They argue that the legislation could impose financial and logistical barriers to voting, amounting to voter suppression.
Furthermore, studies suggest that a significant portion of U.S. citizens may not have ready access to proof of citizenship. A 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice estimated that 9% of voting-age citizens, approximately 21.3 million people, do not have immediate access to such documentation. Nearly half of Americans also lack a U.S. passport, which is among the acceptable forms of identification under the proposed law.
Similar proof-of-citizenship requirements in other states have led to complications. In Kansas, a law passed in 2011 requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration resulted in the blocking of registrations for more than 31,000 U.S. citizens who were otherwise eligible to vote. The law was later declared unconstitutional by a federal court and has not been enforced since 2018.
Critics argue that the SAVE Act is a solution in search of a problem, given the rarity of noncitizen voting. They suggest that the bill capitalizes on unfounded fears and could lead to unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. Adrian Fontes, Arizona's top state election official, described the proposal as "capitalizing on fear—a fear built on a lie," referring to the notion that noncitizens are widely participating in federal elections.
The SAVE Act now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. Despite Republicans holding a majority, they lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, making bipartisan support crucial for the bill's advancement. Previous versions of similar legislation have failed in the Senate, and it remains to be seen whether this iteration will fare any better.
As the legislative process continues, it is essential for citizens to stay informed about developments that may affect voting rights and election procedures. Understanding the implications of such legislation is crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process without undue hindrance.
Now list House Passes Bill Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote.
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