Stop the SAVE act

 

​The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes significant changes to voter registration requirements. While aimed at preventing noncitizen voting, which is already illegal and exceedingly rare, the legislation raises several concerns regarding voter access and election administration.​Congress.gov | Library of Congress+11Teen Vogue+11AP News+11Axios+1AP News+1

Key Concerns About the SAVE Act

1. Disenfranchisement of Eligible Voters: The Act mandates in-person presentation of specific citizenship documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register or update voter registration. This requirement could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who lack immediate access to these documents. Notably, approximately 21 million U.S. citizens do not possess such documentation readily, with marginalized groups—such as low-income individuals, the elderly, and people of color—being disproportionately affected .​Teen Vogue

2. Elimination of Convenient Registration Methods: The SAVE Act would effectively end online and mail-in voter registration by necessitating in-person document verification. This change could hinder voter participation, especially among those in rural areas, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited transportation options .​FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth+2Civics Center+2Teen Vogue+2

3. Potential Legal and Administrative Challenges: Implementing the SAVE Act could lead to legal disputes and administrative burdens. Similar laws in states like Kansas and Arizona have faced legal challenges for violating the National Voter Registration Act, and have resulted in significant voter registration declines .​Axios

4. Risk to Community-Based Voter Registration Efforts: The Act imposes felony penalties for officials who register voters without verifying citizenship, which could deter community organizations from conducting voter registration drives. These drives are crucial for engaging underrepresented communities and promoting civic participation .​WSJDemos

Conclusion

While safeguarding electoral integrity is essential, the SAVE Act's approach may inadvertently suppress voter participation and strain election systems. Policymakers are encouraged to consider these implications and explore alternative measures that enhance election security without compromising voter access.

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Concerns Rise Over SAVE Act's Impact on Voter Access

AP News

How the House's requirement to prove US citizenship could affect the ability to register to vote

4 days ago

The Guardian

US House passes bill requiring people to prove citizenship in order to vote

4 days ago

Teen Vogue

The SAVE Act Passed the House. But Senate Democrats Could Block the Voter Suppression Bill.

4 days ago

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SAMPLE LETTER TO MY SENATOR;

Subject: Vote NO on the SAVE Act – Protect Access to the Ballot Box

Dear Senator [Last Name],

I am writing to urge you to vote NO on the SAVE Act, a deeply troubling piece of legislation that threatens to disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters and undermine the democratic principles this country was founded on.

The SAVE Act would require in-person documentary proof of citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—to register or re-register to vote. While this might sound reasonable at a glance, in practice it would block up to 21 million American citizens from registering simply because they do not have immediate access to those documents.

This measure is not only unnecessary—there is no widespread issue of non-citizens voting in federal elections—it is also discriminatory. It would disproportionately affect seniors, people with low income, rural residents, students, Native Americans, and others who may not have access to these records or cannot afford the cost or time it takes to obtain them.

The bill would also effectively end online and mail voter registration, severely limiting participation in a system that has worked efficiently for years and helped millions engage in their democratic rights.

Even more concerning is the felony penalty proposed for those who unknowingly assist someone in registering to vote who may not qualify. This creates a chilling effect for community organizations and grassroots efforts that have long helped ensure marginalized voices are included in the democratic process.

The SAVE Act imposes barriers that serve no legitimate purpose other than to restrict access to the ballot. We should be working to expand voting rights, not restrict them.

This bill is a step toward creating a class-based voting system—where only those with time, money, and documentation can fully participate in elections. That is not democracy.

I urge you to reject the SAVE Act and stand up for the rights of your constituents to participate in free and fair elections without unnecessary and discriminatory obstacles.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Optional: Your Phone Number]