A new bill circulating in Congress is sparking debate over voting rights and election security. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Introduced as H.R. 8281 during the 118th Congress, the bill seeks to ensure that only U.S. citizens can participate in the voting process.
The SAVE Act would require states to collect and document proof of citizenship from voters, which few states currently do, and establish additional voter list maintenance processes. States that do not comply might have to run separate elections for state and federal races or keep two different voter lists — one for those who prove their citizenship, and one for those who cannot. The bill also allows individuals to sue if they believe the law is not being enforced, and would make it a crime for election officials to mistakenly register a noncitizen vote.
Supporters of the SAVE Act believe it is necessary to keep elections fair and secure by ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote, arguing that under the current system, there are potential loopholes that could allow noncitizens to register and cast votes. By requiring proof of citizenship, they say the bill would close these gaps and strengthen the overall integrity of elections. Supporters also emphasize that voting is a fundamental right reserved only for Americans, and this law would help make sure that only those who are eligible have a say in the country’s leadership.
However, this bill could make voter registration much harder for millions of Americans by requiring proof of citizenship. One of the main forms of documentation it accepts is a valid passport, but only about half of American citizens actually have one, meaning nearly 146 million Americans do not own a passport. Critics argue that this bill could take voter registration back to the “pre-internet era,” forcing people to track down official documents just to register. Some say it could disproportionately affect low-income citizens, young voters and naturalized citizens — groups that may face more challenges in getting this necessary documentation. They warn it threatens the constitutional rights of eligible voters, making it much harder for Americans to participate in elections.
