On March 17, the Senate started discussing the SAVE America Act. This bill, backed by Republicans, focuses on voter identification and registration rules and recently passed the House.
Previously, similar bills didn’t succeed in the Senate, often failing to get the necessary 60 votes against a filibuster. The current bill may meet the same fate, although Republican leaders are initiating a weeklong debate to gather support.
David Becker, head of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research, stated that passing the bill was “extremely unlikely.” He anticipated that the conversation would shift to other matters soon.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune labeled the bill as essential for verifying voter eligibility. In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized it as a significant threat to voter rights, alleging it could disenfranchise millions.
The SAVE America Act aims to prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections, a practice that election experts say is quite rare. Among its stipulations, it requires voters to show photo identification when voting, whether in person or by mail. Additionally, states must check the citizenship status of their voters using a Department of Homeland Security system.
### Voter Registration Changes
The bill does not require all voters to re-register. Still, those needing to update their registration—due to a change of residence or name—will need to provide proof of citizenship. This could include U.S. passports or certified birth certificates. Legal director Ceridwen Cherry from VoteRiders emphasized that the bill’s broad language covers all registration changes, making it tougher for individuals to update their information.
Becker noted that implementing this law could cost states millions and create confusion, especially during elections. He mentioned that most election officials from both parties are against the bill, citing its complexity.
### Proving Citizenship
To register, individuals must provide specific documents to prove their citizenship. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate with certain criteria, or government-issued photo IDs that indicate citizenship. Notably, about 53% of Americans possess a passport. However, a study indicated that nearly 12% of registered voters may lack the necessary documentation.
The law also aims to address name discrepancies, which can affect married or divorced individuals. If a person has changed their name, they may need additional documentation to confirm their identity.
### The Impact of Photo ID Requirements
The updated bill introduces a national photo ID requirement for in-person voting and asks mail-in voters to provide a copy of their ID. Individuals without an ID can cast a provisional ballot but must present an ID within three days. This requirement is stricter than current policies in many states, where options for ID can vary greatly. For instance, many states accept student IDs, hunting licenses, and other forms of identification.
### How Common is Non-Citizen Voting?
Evidence shows that instances of non-citizens voting in elections are extremely low. A senior fellow at the Cato Institute mentioned that the number of illegal votes cast by non-citizens is not significant enough to sway election outcomes. Reports from states like Ohio and Georgia have also highlighted the minuscule number of non-citizen voters.
Polling indicates that a large portion of the public supports ID requirements and proof of citizenship. A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll showed that 71% of respondents favor the SAVE America Act, with notable backing among Republicans and independents.
### Recent Discussions by Trump
Former President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to eliminate mail-in voting, except under specific circumstances like illness or military service. He has sparked debates about extending the legislation to address issues outside of voting as well, including regulations surrounding transgender athletes.
In summary, the SAVE America Act aims to tighten voting requirements and address issues of citizenship verification. While it has garnered some support, concerns regarding its implications on voter access continue to spur debate among policymakers and the public alike.
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