President Donald Trump has vowed not to sign any other legislation until Republicans pass the Save America act, a sweeping voting bill that proponents say would secure elections but critics warn would “upend voting for all Americans” and create logistical challenges for election workers.
The Senate is scheduled to consider the bill next week, but faces a likely failure due to a lack of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Despite the expected defeat, experts suggest the debate surrounding the bill could fuel false narratives about election integrity.
The Save America act builds upon last year’s Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) act, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. This year’s version would require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship, face potential criminal penalties for election officials who improperly register voters, and adhere to strict voter ID requirements. It also mandates regular sharing of voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Provisions of the Save America Act
The bill’s requirements for proof of citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—would significantly alter current voter registration processes, effectively ending voter registration drives, according to Xavier Persad, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union. These requirements would apply every time a voter changes information, like their address.
The act also establishes a strict voter ID law, requiring a “valid photo identification” to vote, a standard met by only one state—Ohio—out of over 30 with some form of voter ID requirement. This, combined with the proof of citizenship requirement, is described as a “’show your papers’ mandate” by Bedekovics.
the bill introduces criminal penalties and potential lawsuits against election officials who register voters without proper documentation. This, experts say, could lead to increased scrutiny and legal challenges for those administering elections.
Finally, the Save America act would require states to regularly share voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security, a move critics describe as a “federal surveillance system of voters” that could lead to erroneous removal of eligible voters from the rolls.
What Happens Next?
Despite Trump’s demands, the Senate is “very unlikely to pass a version of this bill,” according to David Becker, director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research. Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to bring the bill to a vote next week, setting it up for failure. Even if the bill fails, experts anticipate Trump will leverage the debate to promote unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and potentially challenge election results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Save America Act require for voter registration?
The bill requires individuals to show proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, in person at an elections office when registering to vote or changing any registration information.
What kind of voter ID would be required?
The bill requires a “valid photo identification” to vote, and does not accept ID cards issued by schools and colleges.
What would happen if an election official improperly registers a voter?
Election officials who register a voter without proper documentary proof of citizenship could face criminal penalties and fines, and could also be subject to private lawsuits.
As lawmakers debate the future of voting rights, what role should federal legislation play in state-administered elections?
