As Congress reconvenes on Capitol Hill, all eyes are on the House of Representatives, where a pivotal vote is scheduled on the contentious Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Introduced by House Republicans, this bill seeks to mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for all federal elections in an effort to prevent noncitizens from voting.
Under the current National Voter Registration Act, individuals attest to their citizenship by checking a box on registration forms. However, the SAVE Act proposes significant changes, requiring prospective voters to furnish documentation proving their citizenship. Accepted forms of proof include a U.S. passport, a photo ID card issued with proof of citizenship, or a combination of a photo ID and supporting documents like a birth certificate.
For those lacking these documents, states would gain access to federal agency databases to verify citizenship status for voter registration purposes, according to the text of the bill. The bill also includes provisions to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and grants discretion to the Department of Homeland Security to deport noncitizens found to have illegally registered to vote.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has vigorously advocated for the SAVE Act, emphasizing its role in closing loopholes that allow noncitizen voting, enhancing election security and bolstering public trust in the electoral process. In a detailed plea to House members, Johnson underscored the necessity of passing the bill to safeguard American elections against foreign interference.
The SAVE Act has sparked intense debate along party lines. Democratic leaders who oppose the bill argue that it imposes undue burdens on various groups, including military personnel, Native Americans, naturalized citizens and elderly voters who may face challenges in acquiring the required documentation.
In a whip question, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., criticized the bill as placing an “extreme burden” on millions of Americans, potentially disenfranchising vulnerable populations.
This vote follows a previous House decision in May, where a similar measure blocking noncitizen voting in Washington, D.C., garnered bipartisan support, with 52 Democrats crossing party lines to vote in favor. However, Democratic leadership is now urging solidarity among its ranks to oppose the SAVE Act.
Despite the anticipated House vote, prospects for the SAVE Act’s passage in the Senate remain uncertain. Even if approved by the House, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where partisan divisions could hinder its progress.