SAVE Act

The SAVE Act: What You Need to Know About the Controversial Voting Bill

Find out why the SAVE Act is causing a stir in the U.S. House and what it means for American citizens and undocumented immigrants.

The passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act by the U.S. House has ignited a fierce debate between Republicans and Democrats. This bill, spearheaded by Congressman Bryan Steil and supported by leaders like Mike Johnson and Donald Trump, aims to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. While supporters argue it safeguards voter eligibility, opponents, including many Democrats, fear it will disenfranchise eligible voters, especially undocumented immigrants.

Democrats' opposition to the SAVE Act stems from concerns about restricting access to voting rights. By requiring proof of citizenship, they argue that such measures may disproportionately impact marginalized communities and hinder voter participation. On the other hand, Republicans see the bill as a critical step in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and preventing noncitizen voting.

Critics highlight that the bill duplicates existing federal laws prohibiting noncitizens from voting, making it a redundant and potentially discriminatory piece of legislation. The SAVE Act also includes provisions for the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls and introduces penalties for election officials who overlook citizenship verification.

In a closely divided vote, the SAVE Act passed the House with 221 ayes, 198 noes, and 14 U.S. House members abstaining from voting. This polarizing bill has sparked nationwide discussions on voter rights, citizenship verification, and the impact of such legislation on American democracy.