Require identification documents to vote?
This bill would require proof of U.S. citizenship–such as identification documents that comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005–to register to vote in federal elections. It also requires a photo identification when voting. The bill also requires states to start programs to monitor and investigate noncitizen voting. Sponsor: Rep. Chip Roy (Republican, Texas, District 21)
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How do you feel?
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Opponents say
• "In every form, the SAVE Act would require American citizens to show documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. Our research shows that more than 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents. Roughly half of Americans don’t even have a passport. Millions lack access to a paper copy of their birth certificate. The SAVE Act would disenfranchise Americans of all ages and races, but younger voters and voters of color would suffer disproportionately. Likewise, millions of women whose married names aren’t on their birth certificates or passports would face extra steps just to make their voices heard." Source: Brennan Center for Justice
• "The SAVE America Act would require voters to provide proof of citizenship in person in the U.S. when registering to vote, and proof of residency in that state. Voters would also be required to present proof of citizenship along with a photo ID when registering to vote and when casting a ballot. These requirements would dramatically increase barriers to voting for millions of eligible U.S. citizens, and disenfranchise nearly every American abroad." Source: Democrats Abroad
Proponents say
• "I’m encouraged that the House will vote next week on the SAVE America Act—a bill supported by 80 percent of Americans across racial lines. The American people are clear: they support Voter ID and agree that only U.S. citizens should vote in our elections. Once the bill passes the House, Leader Thune must bring it to the Senate floor and force Democrats to explain why they oppose securing our elections." Source: Rep. Chip Roy (Republican, Texas, District 21)
• "Last year, the House passed the SAVE Act to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote and improve the ability of states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. This keeps foreign interference out of our elections, maintains election integrity, and increases American citizens’ trust in our federal elections. House Republicans are bringing forward the SAVE America Act to build on the SAVE Act. In addition to proof of citizenship, this legislation includes a voter ID requirement – a provision the vast majority of Americans support: 83% of Americans are in favor of requiring a photo ID to vote, including 71% of Democrats, 82% of Hispanic Americans, and 76% of Black Americans." Source: Rep. Steve Scalise (Republican, Louisiana, District 1), Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Rep. Roy’s SAVE America Act to Hit House Floor Next Week (Press Release)
- Four Things to Know about Noncitizen Voting (Bipartisan Policy Center)
- As voting rights groups elevate opposition, House expected to take on SAVE Act this week (WRGB Albany)
- Trump Repeats Call to ‘Nationalize’ Elections, as White House Walks It Back (The New York Times)
- Rep. Chip Roy’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
