The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, currently before the Senate after passing the House, is drawing criticism for its potential to significantly restrict voting access. When implemented in Kansas, a similar law reportedly denied at least 31,000 eligible citizens their right to vote.
Millions Could Be Impacted
The SAVE Act would require voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. Citizenship when registering to vote. This requirement, far more restrictive than current laws in all states except Ohio, could prevent tens of millions of Americans from registering. More eligible citizens would be blocked from registering than any previous legislation in American history.
Accessing the required documentation – a U.S. Passport or certified birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID – presents a hurdle for many. More than 21 million Americans lack access to these documents, and roughly half of all Americans do not have a passport. Approximately 69 million women and 4 million men do not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name.
The bill also mandates voter roll purges every 30 days, a change from the current 90-day protection against mistaken removal from voter rolls. This could lead to voters being unexpectedly removed from the rolls and discovering their registration status only when they arrive at a polling place. The bill prohibits universal mail-in voting, despite its safe and secure implementation in eight states and the District of Columbia.
President Trump has publicly stated his belief that allowing all eligible citizens to vote would hurt his party’s chances of winning elections. He reportedly told allies that the bill would “guarantee” his party’s success in this year’s midterm elections and “every election for a long time.” He even halted a deal to resolve issues at the nation’s airports while demanding passage of the bill.
The rhetoric surrounding the bill, according to reports, echoes the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory. The legislation has been described as a modern-day resurrection of the poll taxes used during the Jim Crow era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAVE Act?
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. Citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
How many people could be affected?
The bill could block tens of millions of Americans from casting a ballot and prevent more eligible citizens from registering to vote than any piece of legislation in American history.
Has there been evidence of widespread voter fraud?
Despite claims to the contrary, investigations, including one led by Kris Kobach, have failed to unearth credible evidence of widespread voter fraud, including non-citizen voting.
Given the potential for widespread disenfranchisement, what steps might voting rights advocates capture to challenge the SAVE Act if it becomes law?
