SAVE Act: New Measures Target Noncitizen Voting in Federal Elections

Voting booth with American flag and "VOTE" text.

Republicans revive Trump-backed SAVE Act to combat noncitizen voting, sparking fierce debate over election integrity and voter rights.

At a Glance

SAVE Act requires states to verify citizenship before voter registration
Bill mandates removal of noncitizens from voter rolls
Republicans control Senate and White House, increasing bill’s chances
Democrats argue bill could disenfranchise eligible voters
President-elect Trump strongly supports the legislation

Republicans Reignite Push for SAVE Act

In a bold move to safeguard American elections, Republican lawmakers have reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation, championed by Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee, aims to crack down on noncitizen voting in federal elections. The bill’s revival comes as Republicans now control both the Senate and the White House, with President-elect Trump throwing his full support behind the measure.

The SAVE Act requires states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity in person when registering individuals to vote. It also mandates that states establish programs to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and allows citizens to sue officials who fail to enforce the law. With 59 co-sponsors in the House and backing from groups like the Only Citizens Vote Coalition and Tea Party Patriots Action, the bill has gained significant traction among conservatives.

Trump’s Ultimatum and Republican Support

President-elect Trump has made his stance on the SAVE Act crystal clear, issuing a rallying cry to his party. His unequivocal support has energized the Republican base and put pressure on lawmakers to act decisively.

“Republicans must pass the Save Act, or go home and cry yourself to sleep” – President-elect Trump

The bill’s proponents argue that it’s a necessary step to protect the integrity of American elections. Rep. Chip Roy emphasized the importance of citizen-only voting, stating, “American elections belong to American citizens, and the public’s confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic.” This sentiment is echoed by Sen. Mike Lee, who asserts that the SAVE Act will prevent illegal voter registration and protect against foreign election interference.

Democratic Opposition and Concerns

Despite Republican enthusiasm, the SAVE Act faces fierce opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups. Critics argue that the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those from marginalized communities who may lack easy access to proof of citizenship. The Biden administration has openly criticized the legislation, stating it would hinder voter registration and risk purging eligible voters from the rolls.

Democrats have accused Republicans of using the bill as a pretext to undermine future election results. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) went so far as to claim, “MAGA extremists are laying the groundwork to overturn the 2024 election. The coup starts here.” This heated rhetoric underscores the deep partisan divide surrounding the issue of election integrity and voter access.

Implications for Future Elections

As the SAVE Act gains momentum, its potential impact on future elections cannot be understated. Supporters argue that it will restore faith in the electoral process by ensuring only citizens can vote. However, critics warn that it could lead to widespread voter suppression, particularly affecting communities that already face barriers to political participation.

“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

With Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress and the White House, the SAVE Act stands a real chance of becoming law. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the battle over who gets to vote in America is far from over. The SAVE Act represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing struggle, with the potential to reshape the landscape of American elections for years to come.