Republican lawmakers reintroduce the SAVE Act to prevent noncitizen voting in federal elections, sparking debate over election integrity and voter access.
At a Glance
- The SAVE Act requires states to verify citizenship before voter registration
- Bill mandates removal of noncitizens from voter rolls
- Legislation has 59 House co-sponsors and support from conservative groups
- Critics argue the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters
- Republicans link the bill to broader immigration and election integrity concerns
Republicans Push for Stricter Voter Eligibility Measures
In a move to strengthen election integrity, Republican legislators have reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee, the bill aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens can participate in federal elections. The legislation would require states to confirm an individual’s citizenship status before allowing voter registration and to purge noncitizens from existing voter rolls.
The SAVE Act has gained significant traction among Republicans, with 59 co-sponsors in the House and support from conservative groups such as the Only Citizens Vote Coalition and Tea Party Patriots Action. This renewed push comes amid growing concerns over noncitizen voter registrations and broader immigration issues.
Key Provisions and Republican Support
The SAVE Act includes several key provisions designed to tighten voter eligibility requirements. States would be obligated to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity in person when registering individuals to vote. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of programs to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and allows citizens to sue officials who fail to enforce the law.
“American elections belong to American citizens, and the public’s confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic.” – Rep. Chip Roy
Senator Mike Lee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preventing illegal voter registration and protecting against foreign election interference. The bill has also received strong endorsement from President-elect Trump, who has made election integrity a cornerstone of his agenda.
Opposition and Concerns
Despite Republican support, the SAVE Act faces opposition from Democrats and voting rights advocates. Critics argue that the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those from marginalized communities who may lack easy access to proof of citizenship documents. A University of Maryland survey highlighted that many voting-age citizens do not have readily available citizenship documentation.
“States already have effective safeguards in place to verify voters’ eligibility and maintain the accuracy of voter rolls. This bill would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but it would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote and increase the risk that eligible voters are purged from voter rolls.” – Biden administration
The Biden administration has criticized the bill, stating that it would hinder voter registration and potentially lead to the purging of eligible voters from the rolls. Some Democrats have gone further, accusing Republicans of using the legislation as a means to undermine future election results.
Looking Ahead
With Republicans now controlling both the Senate and the White House, the SAVE Act stands a stronger chance of becoming law. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate next week, and it has been listed as one of the top legislative priorities in the House rules package. As part of a broader focus on immigration-related issues, the SAVE Act is likely to remain a contentious topic in the ongoing debate over election security and voter access.
As the legislative process unfolds, the SAVE Act will undoubtedly continue to spark intense debate between those prioritizing election integrity and those concerned about voter suppression. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for the future of American elections and the delicate balance between security and accessibility in the democratic process.
Sources:
- House, Senate Republicans revive Trump-backed push to crack down on noncitizen voting
- House Republicans to Prioritize Controversial SAVE Act in New Session
