Republicans in Congress are reviving efforts to secure U.S. elections with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aiming to prevent noncitizen voting and ensure only eligible American citizens participate in federal elections.
At a Glance
- The SAVE Act requires states to verify U.S. citizenship for voter registration
- The bill mandates removal of noncitizens from voter rolls
- Republicans now control Congress and the White House, increasing the bill’s chances
- President-elect Trump supports the legislation
- Critics argue the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters
Republican Lawmakers Reintroduce SAVE Act
Republican legislators in both the House and Senate are pushing forward with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a measure designed to prevent noncitizen voting in federal elections. The bill, championed by Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee, aims to strengthen the integrity of U.S. elections by ensuring only American citizens can participate in the voting process.
The SAVE Act requires states to implement stricter verification processes for voter registration. Under the proposed legislation, states would need to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity in person when registering individuals to vote. This measure is intended to close potential loopholes that Republicans argue could allow noncitizens to participate in federal elections.
Key Provisions of the SAVE Act
In addition to tightening registration requirements, the SAVE Act includes provisions for maintaining the integrity of voter rolls. The bill mandates that states establish programs to identify and remove noncitizens from voter registration lists. To ensure compliance, the legislation allows citizens to sue officials who fail to enforce these measures.
“American elections belong to American citizens, and the public’s confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic.” – Rep. Chip Roy
The SAVE Act has gained significant traction among Republicans, with 59 co-sponsors in the House. It has also received support from various advocacy groups, including the Only Citizens Vote Coalition and Tea Party Patriots Action. These organizations view the bill as a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of American elections.
Political Landscape and Support
The political landscape has shifted significantly since the SAVE Act was first introduced. Republicans now control both chambers of Congress and the White House, with President-elect Trump expressing strong support for the legislation. This change in power dynamics has breathed new life into the bill, which previously passed in the House but stalled in the Senate.
“A vast majority of our countrymen agree: only American citizens should be able to register and vote in American elections. The SAVE Act gives states the ability to prevent illegal voter registration and protect the ballot box from foreign election interference.” – Sen. Mike Lee
The renewed push for the SAVE Act comes amid increased focus on immigration-related issues in Congress. It aligns with other recent legislative efforts, such as the passage of the Laken Riley Act, reflecting a broader Republican strategy to address concerns about border security and election integrity.
Controversy and Criticism
While supporters argue that the SAVE Act is necessary to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, critics have raised concerns about its potential impact on voter access. The Biden administration previously criticized the bill, stating that it could hinder voter registration and risk purging eligible voters from the rolls.
“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
Some opponents argue that the bill could disproportionately affect marginalized groups who may lack easy access to proof of citizenship documents. A University of Maryland survey found that many voting-age citizens do not have readily available documentation, raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement.
As the SAVE Act moves forward in Congress, it is likely to remain a contentious issue, with supporters viewing it as a necessary measure to protect election integrity and critics arguing that it could create unnecessary barriers to voting for eligible citizens.
Sources:
- House, Senate Republicans revive Trump-backed push to crack down on noncitizen voting
- House Republicans to Prioritize Controversial SAVE Act in New Session
