House Passes SAVE Act, Senate to Consider Next

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, for voter registration in federal elections. Four Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, which has sparked controversy over its potential to disenfranchise millions, especially women who have changed their names and may face documentation issues. Supporters argue the measure is needed to ensure only citizens vote and to bolster election integrity, while opponents, including voting rights advocates and some state officials, claim it imposes unnecessary burdens and disrupts state authority over elections. The legislation mandates in-person registration, adding further barriers for those lacking easy access to the required documents. Critics emphasize that non-citizen voting is already illegal and warn the bill could harm voter participation and accessibility. The SAVE Act now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration amid a broader national debate on election security and voting rights.