Ahead of the midterm elections, Republicans are reviving the push for a new law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote. The proposed legislation, called the SAVE America Act, is backed by Donald Trump, who has long claimed that U.S. elections are “rigged” despite a lack of evidence for widespread voter fraud.
The White House has echoed Trump’s assertion, stating on X that “only American citizens” should vote in American elections. However, noncitizen voting is already very rare and has been illegal for over a century. Despite this, many Republicans believe it remains a significant threat.
The SAVE America Act will be voted on in the House soon, according to Rep. Chip Roy from Texas. He has called it “common sense legislation.” However, its future in the Senate remains uncertain, as previous versions of the bill have stalled. The Senate is currently examining its own proposals related to noncitizen voting.
Voting rights groups argue that this act could disenfranchise millions. Recent comments from Trump have further fueled concerns, as he has suggested the federal government take over election processes, which contradicts the U.S. Constitution, stating that states oversee elections.
Key Features of the SAVE America Act
The SAVE America Act requires voters to show proof of citizenship when registering for federal elections. This could involve documents like a birth certificate or passport. However, experts caution that it could create confusion. For example, while REAL IDs indicate citizenship, they are available to both citizens and noncitizens. Furthermore, many states’ IDs do not explicitly state citizenship status.
The bill mandates a government-issued photo ID to vote in person and to submit absentee ballots. It also includes penalties for election officials who fail to ensure applicants provide necessary documentation. These penalties might discourage officials from registering eligible citizens if they fear legal repercussions.
In addition to the SAVE America Act, another proposal, the Make Elections Great Again Act, also demands proof of citizenship while making various changes to election procedures, including banning universal mail-in voting.
Voter Perspectives
Republicans argue that polls indicate broad support for voter ID laws, and while there is significant backing for photo ID among both parties, the implications of these laws can disproportionately affect the disenfranchised. Data from the Brennan Center reveals that around 21.3 million U.S. citizens lack easy access to proof of citizenship. This issue is more prevalent among people of color and younger voters, who often do not possess the necessary documentation.
A survey found that 9% of Americans do not have ready access to citizenship proof. Many people lack up-to-date documents, especially those who may have changed their names due to marriage.
Moreover, audit results in states like Georgia show very few instances of noncitizen voting, which raises questions about the need for such stringent requirements.
Historical Context and State-Level Efforts
Historically, laws requiring proof of citizenship to vote have faced legal challenges. Arizona has had such laws since 2004, and while some federal courts have struck down similar laws in places like Kansas, others have been upheld, indicating the complexity surrounding this issue.
Experts stress that laws like the SAVE America Act could create new barriers, stopping eligible citizens from voting.
In summary, while there are arguments in favor of proving citizenship to vote, the reality is that many citizens may struggle to meet these requirements. As voting rights remain a pressing issue, ensuring access for all citizens is crucial—especially as we approach another election cycle. For more insights, you can read more from the Brennan Center for Justice.
