What is the SAVE Act?

And why it should matter to you.

Estimates show that there are upwards of 20 million potential noncitizen voters in our country right now, thanks to President Biden’s abysmal border policies and enforcement. I hear from people daily about how the broken immigration system is burdening their families and communities. Setting aside the concerns about increasing violence hitting our soil, there’s a prominent alarm bell that should be ringing in the ears of all American citizens, and that’s the pressing issue of noncitizen voting.

This Wednesday, July 10th, at 11:00 am ET, the House of Representatives has the opportunity to vote on the floor on the SAVE Act, which, if passed through Congress, can safeguard the integrity of our national (and state/local) elections. This sounds like it should be a bipartisan bill (so many do, don’t they?!), but you and I both know it’s not that simple. What the SAVE Act is proposing is basic and built on the fundamental principle that ONLY citizens can vote.

Let’s get into it. What is the SAVE Act all about?

The SAVE Act (HR8281), or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, was introduced in the 118th Congress in May 2024 by Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Chip Roy. The primary aim of the legislation is to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. The act stipulates acceptable forms of proof, including a valid U.S. passport, a REAL ID-compliant identification, a U.S. military ID with a record of service, or a government-issued photo ID accompanied by a certified birth certificate or other specified documents. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only 36 of our states require some I.D. to vote… HOWEVER….In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in an Arizona case that states must permit people to register for federal elections using a federal form that does not require documentary proof of citizenship. Crazy, right?!

The SAVE Act also mandates that states establish processes to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and imposes increased federal penalties for individuals who register non-citizens to vote in federal elections. This measure is intended to prevent illegal voting by non-citizens and to ensure the integrity of U.S. elections, addressing concerns about potential foreign interference and maintaining public trust in the electoral system.

Supporters of the bill, such as Senator John Kennedy (and numerous other Republicans), emphasize the importance of protecting the sanctity of U.S. citizenship and ensuring that only citizens participate in federal elections. They rightfully argue that the increase in illegal immigrants in the U.S. necessitates stricter controls to prevent non-citizens from influencing election outcomes. Basic stuff, right?!

Who supports it? Who doesn't?

There are plenty of people in Congress (and the general public) who want laws passed that require voters to produce their State ID or passport in order to register to vote. According to a recent Pew Research Poll, 81% of Americans want ID verification to vote. You’d be hard-pressed to find a member of the GOP who disagrees with the SAVE Act and thinks it’s important legislation. It’s very simple.

That being said, President Biden and Democrats do not support this bill, and the Executive Office released the following statement this afternoon, condemning it.

Why is this bill vital if it’s already illegal to vote if you aren’t a citizen?

It’s crucial because something being “illegal” doesn’t prevent it from happening in all (or even most) situations. We are watching that reality play out on our southern border, right?

President Biden is afraid of allowing this bill to be implemented because he fears (rightfully) that if I.D. is required and noncitizens can’t produce it, they won’t risk the charge of a federal prison sentence or deportation, providing less predictability to his voter count. In some states right now, you can vote by simply swearing or affirming you are a citizen - that’s much less risky and easier than obtaining a fake I.D. if it becomes required. (Am I the only one that thinks it’s nuts that we don’t nationally require I.D. to vote?!!?)

President Biden and Democrats know this, and they will press for the SAVE Act to be squashed, labeling it as xenophobic and racist. The headlines will be plentiful.

I encourage everyone reading this to head HERE and take a few moments to reach out to your senators and representatives. Tell them to co-sponsor the SAVE Act bill on Wednesday.

It’s so important.