The SAVE Act Could Change How Americans Register to Vote by tu voz importa
The proposed SAVE Act would drastically alter voter registration by requiring proof of citizenship to vote, raising concerns about access for millions of eligible Americans.
Congressional Republicans have introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, a bill that would significantly change how citizens register to vote. The bill requires individuals registering to vote to present official documents that prove U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or naturalization certificate.
Supporters say this process is necessary to protect the integrity of elections, while critics argue it could make it more difficult for eligible citizens to vote.
Under the existing federal law, voters must already affirm their U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury when registering. Some states take additional steps to verify citizenship, and noncitizens who attempt to vote face severe penalties. Supporters claim that additional safeguards are needed, despite very little documented instances of noncitizen voting. If passed, the SAVE Act would apply not only to new registrants but also to existing voters who update their registration, such as after a name change or a move. According to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, over 21 million voting-age Americans either do not possess or do not have easy access to the documents required by the bill, including individuals in rural areas, people with limited financial resources, and many married women whose legal names may differ from the names on their original documents.
The proposed law would also modify how voters register. Those using mail or online registration would need to present their documents in person at a designated government office. Voting rights advocates say this could impact third-party registration efforts and add logistical challenges for people who live far from election offices or cannot take time off work. In some rural areas, voters may need to travel long distances or even fly to meet the new requirements.
Election officials have raised questions about how the law would be implemented and enforced, especially considering the potential penalties for officials who mistakenly register a non-citizen. According to PBS, some election workers have expressed concern that the added responsibility and legal risks could affect their ability to serve the public effectively. While the SAVE Act has not yet been voted on in the House of Representatives, it has sparked a broader national discussion about how best to balance election security with accessible voting.
