Overview of the SAVE Act

Introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), the SAVE Act seeks to mandate that all voters present specific forms of identification—either a passport or an original birth certificate—when registering to vote or updating their voter registration. This bill is presented by its proponents as a measure to address alleged concerns over noncitizens voting, despite evidence suggesting that this is not a widespread issue.

Evidence and Concerns

Research from the Brennan Center for Justice indicates that, in the 2016 election, noncitizens were suspected of casting a mere 30 votes out of a total 23.5 million, representing an insignificant 0.0001% of votes cast. Critics of the SAVE Act highlight that the bill could hinder electoral participation for millions of Americans, particularly those without easy access to the required identification documents.

Potential for Disenfranchisement

According to various advocacy groups, over 21 million Americans may find themselves adversely affected by the requirements of the SAVE Act. Key statistics include:

• Approximately 146 million citizens do not possess a passport, a number nearly equivalent to the 153 million who participated in the 2014 presidential election.
• About 69 million women and 4 million men who have changed their names post-marriage might struggle to provide the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship.

Particularly in states like West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, where fewer than one-third of residents hold a valid passport, the impact of the SAVE Act could be profound.

Implications for Voting Accessibility

The bill has prompted strong reactions from various advocacy organizations. Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center, described the legislation as “one of the worst pieces of voting legislation in American history,” urging the Senate to halt its progress. Similarly, Virginia Kase Solomón of Common Cause labeled the SAVE Act a modern-day poll tax, emphasizing that it could disproportionately affect marginalized groups such as low-income individuals, rural voters, and communities of color who may lack immediate access to the necessary documents.

Bipartisan Support and Opposition

The SAVE Act has garnered some bipartisan backing, with four Democratic representatives—Jared Golden (D-Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), and Ed Case (D-Hawaii)—voting in favor of it. This move has drawn criticism from Common Cause, with leaders condemning these figures for supporting legislation that could suppress voters’ rights.

Next Steps in Legislation

In the Senate, a companion bill has been introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The Republican Party, holding a slim majority, would require some Democratic support to surpass the 60-vote threshold needed to advance such a measure. Advocacy groups have called on all senators to reject what they consider a fundamental threat to voting rights in the form of the SAVE Act.

Conclusion

As debates continue, the implications of the SAVE Act pose a significant challenge to voting rights in the United States. The potential for disenfranchisement of millions raises critical questions about access to the ballot box and the integrity of democratic participation. Advocates are mobilizing to ensure that every voice in America remains heard.