In April 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill mandating that individuals provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The legislation, spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), passed with a 220–208 vote, garnering support from four Democrats alongside the Republican majority .(congress.gov, abcnews.go.com)
Purpose and Provisions of the SAVE Act
The SAVE Act aims to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections, a practice already illegal under current U.S. law. However, proponents argue that existing laws lack robust mechanisms to verify citizenship during voter registration. The bill seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by requiring applicants to present specific forms of documentary proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or a REAL ID-compliant identification .(missouriindependent.com, san.com)
Under the proposed legislation, states would be prohibited from accepting and processing voter registration applications for federal elections unless the applicant provides the mandated proof of citizenship. The bill also outlines procedures for applicants who cannot provide standard documentation, allowing them to submit alternative evidence under penalty of perjury, subject to verification by election officials.(congress.gov, congress.gov)
Support and Opposition
Supporters of the SAVE Act, primarily Republicans, argue that the legislation is a necessary measure to safeguard election integrity and public confidence in the electoral process. They contend that requiring proof of citizenship will close existing loopholes that could potentially allow noncitizens to register and vote .(axios.com, apnews.com)
Opponents, including most Democrats and voting rights advocates, criticize the bill as a solution in search of a problem, noting that instances of noncitizen voting are exceedingly rare. They express concern that the stringent documentation requirements could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly marginalized groups who may face challenges in obtaining the necessary documents. Critics also argue that the bill could disproportionately affect married women who have changed their surnames, leading to discrepancies between their identification documents and voter registration records .(news.com.au)
Legal and Political Implications
The SAVE Act’s passage in the House marks a significant development in the ongoing national debate over voting rights and election security. However, the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where it would require bipartisan support to advance. President Joe Biden has indicated that he would veto the legislation if it reaches his desk, asserting that it could hinder lawful citizens’ access to the ballot box .
The bill also raises constitutional questions regarding the balance of power between federal and state governments in regulating elections. While the Constitution grants states the authority to oversee elections, it also allows Congress to enact laws that affect federal election procedures. Legal challenges are anticipated if the SAVE Act becomes law, potentially leading to judicial review to determine its constitutionality.(axios.com)
Broader Context
The introduction and passage of the SAVE Act occur amid a broader push by Republican lawmakers to implement stricter voting regulations, citing concerns over election integrity. This movement includes efforts at both the federal and state levels to introduce measures such as voter ID laws and restrictions on mail-in voting. These initiatives have sparked widespread debate and legal battles over their potential impact on voter access and participation.
In summary, the SAVE Act represents a significant and contentious proposal in the landscape of U.S. voting laws. Its advancement reflects ongoing tensions between efforts to enhance election security and the imperative to ensure broad and equitable access to the democratic process.
