The United States House of Representatives has passed a new bill that mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, a move that has sparked significant debate over its potential impact on voter access. The legislation, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (Save Act), was approved by a narrow margin of 220 to 208 votes. The bill is designed to address the issue of noncitizens voting in U.S. elections, though such instances are reportedly rare.
Introduced by Texas Republican Chip Roy, the Save Act requires individuals registering to vote or updating their registration to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. While Real IDs, which typically do not indicate citizenship status, could be used if they include this information, the bill poses challenges as lawful noncitizen residents can also obtain these IDs. The bill follows the president’s executive order from March 25, which aimed to add a documentary proof of citizenship requirement to federal voter registration forms.
The Save Act has faced criticism for potentially disenfranchising millions of Americans, including rural residents, women, and people of color, who may find it difficult to obtain or afford the necessary documentation. Approximately half of U.S. citizens do not have a passport, and the associated fees of $165 could be prohibitive, especially for low-income individuals. Furthermore, Democrats have highlighted that many potential voters may not have access to their birth certificates or might face challenges if their current names differ due to marriage or other reasons.
Critics argue that the bill could create confusion and inconsistency across states, as each state would be responsible for developing processes to handle name changes and other documentation issues. Concerns have also been raised about the bill’s potential to disrupt online and mail-in registration, disproportionately affecting rural communities. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for purging voter rolls based on incomplete data and imposes criminal penalties on election officials who mistakenly register individuals lacking the required documentation.
The Societal Shift
Should this legislation be enacted, it could fundamentally alter the landscape of voter registration in the United States, affecting millions of voters. The requirement for proof of citizenship might impose a significant burden on various demographics, including young voters and marginalized communities, who may lack easy access to the necessary documentation. This could lead to decreased voter participation and engagement in these groups, potentially skewing electoral outcomes.
For communities already facing barriers to voting, such as rural residents and those who have experienced natural disasters, the impact could be particularly pronounced. The logistical challenges of obtaining documentation, coupled with the potential financial burden, could deter many from participating in future elections. Moreover, the threat of voter roll purges and criminal penalties for election officials may introduce additional layers of complexity and fear, further discouraging voter registration and participation.