Overview of the SAVE Act

On April 10, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), spearheaded by Representative Chip Roy (R-Austin). The bill mandates that individuals provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

Vote Details and Support

The measure received a narrow approval with a vote count of 220 to 208. All Republicans and four Democrats—including Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo)—endorsed the bill. It will now advance to the Senate, co-sponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota).

Requirements Stipulated by the Bill

The SAVE Act requires voters to present a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or any identification meeting REAL ID standards that demonstrates citizenship when registering to vote. Alternatively, individuals can use a government-issued ID along with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or hospital record.

Support and Rationale

Representative Chip Roy argues that this legislation is crucial due to perceived issues stemming from the Biden administration’s immigration policies, stating, “It’s a growing and increasing problem… We just want to get in front of it now.”

In August, Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported the removal of 6,500 non-citizens from voter rolls, although investigations have indicated that some of these removals may have included U.S. citizens.

Representative Wesley Hunt (R-Houston) referred to the bill as “basic housekeeping,” emphasizing the need for election integrity.

Opposition Perspectives

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, claim the SAVE Act imposes unnecessary obstacles that could disenfranchise low-income voters and complicate the process for individuals who have legally changed their names, such as married women. Representative Kevin Mullin (D-California) condemned the legislation as “a blatant attempt to undermine our election system.”

Representative Joseph Morelle (D-New York) voiced concerns about potential administrative burdens, asserting that the bill would create significant “paperwork nightmares” for voters.

Addressing Concerns

In countering fears about name changes affecting voting eligibility, Representative Mary Miller (R-Illinois), who collaborated on the SAVE Act, asserted that the legislation includes adequate protections for married women and criticized the Democratic narrative as exaggerated.

State-Level Efforts

Parallel to the federal initiative, there is ongoing movement within the Texas state legislature for a similar proof of citizenship requirement that would implement stricter identification protocols for voting at all levels.