Ballots and Barriers: How the SAVE Act Could Reshape American Voting
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act aims to require proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections. Who does it impact, and is it a safeguard—or a suppression tactic?
By R.L. Crossan
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—in order to vote in federal elections. Supporters claim it will protect electoral integrity, while critics warn it could disenfranchise millions. apnews.com
What the SAVE Act Does
The SAVE Act mandates that states verify a voter's U.S. citizenship through official documents before allowing participation in federal elections. While most states already ask voters to attest to their citizenship, few require documentary evidence. This bill would override those policies, centralizing control and raising the bar for voter verification. apnews.com
Who Is Impacted?
The legislation could significantly affect:
Naturalized Citizens: Individuals who may lack ready access to their naturalization paperwork.
Elderly and Rural Voters: Populations less likely to have easy access to required documents.
Low-Income Voters: Those who may face barriers in obtaining certified documentation.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, up to 11 million eligible voters could be at risk of being purged from voter rolls or denied registration. brennancenter.org
Who Supports the Bill—and Why
Republican Lawmakers: Argue that the bill is a necessary response to perceived voter fraud and non-citizen voting.
Conservative Advocacy Groups: Say the law will increase public confidence in election outcomes.
Former President Trump has strongly endorsed the bill, calling it a "common sense reform to save democracy."
Critics and Concerns
Democrats and Civil Rights Organizations: Argue that the bill is a form of voter suppression, particularly targeting communities of color and marginalized groups.
Voting Rights Experts: Note that non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare, and that the bill seeks to address a largely manufactured problem.
Constitutional and Legal Questions
Critics also question whether the bill violates the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which prohibits excessive barriers to registration. Lawsuits are expected if the bill becomes law. nytimes.com
Pros and Cons
Pros:
May boost confidence in election security
Provides a federal standard for voter eligibility
Aligns with existing photo ID laws in many states
Cons:
Could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters
Solves a problem that data suggests is minimal
Risks politicizing voting access
What’s Next?
The SAVE Act now moves to the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle. Democrats are expected to filibuster the measure, and a 60-vote threshold means it’s unlikely to pass without bipartisan support. Still, its passage in the House signals a growing push to redefine voter eligibility at the federal level.