Congressional Republicans are pushing a new law called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require people to prove their U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. However, election officials from both parties have raised concerns about how this would be enforced and who would pay for it.
Election Officials Worry About Implementation
State officials say there is no reliable federal system to check if someone is a U.S. citizen. Databases from the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security are considered unreliable for verifying citizenship. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows pointed out that if proof of citizenship is required, the federal government should provide the necessary tools to make it possible.
House Republicans Are Moving Fast
With support from former President Donald Trump, House Republicans are expected to vote on the bill soon. However, its chances in the Senate remain uncertain due to expected opposition from Democrats. Trump has previously claimed, without evidence, that noncitizens have voted in large numbers. Election experts say this is rare and often happens by mistake rather than as part of a plan to manipulate elections.
No Funding, Possible Penalties for Election Officials
One of the biggest concerns is that the bill does not provide any federal funding, meaning states would have to cover the costs of implementation. Some election officials worry this would create financial strain.
Additionally, the bill includes civil and criminal penalties for election workers who mistakenly register a noncitizen. Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson worries that punishing election workers for honest mistakes is unfair, especially when they don’t have the proper tools to verify citizenship.
Challenges for Voters
Voting rights groups warn that some voters may struggle to provide the required documents, especially:
- Married women who changed their last names.
- People in rural areas who would need to travel long distances to election offices.
Currently, voters provide a driver’s license number or Social Security number and sign an oath confirming citizenship. Under the SAVE Act, they would need documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. However, only 56% of Americans have a REAL ID, and just 50% have passports.
Mixed Results in States With Similar Laws
Some states already require proof of citizenship. Kansas had this rule for three years, but a study showed that nearly all 30,000 people blocked from registering were actually U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, Georgia has successfully verified citizenship through its motor vehicle agency.
Critics argue that Congress hasn’t consulted election officials on whether this law is practical. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes warned that unreliable federal data could lead to errors, making it harder for eligible voters to participate.
As the bill moves forward, debates will continue over whether this law would improve election security or create unnecessary barriers for voters.
