House Passes SAVE Act, Threatens Voting Rights for Millions

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which aims to require voters to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, in person when registering or updating their voter information. Critics warn that this legislation could disenfranchise millions, particularly married women who have changed their names, as well as marginalized groups who may lack the required documentation. Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to ensure election integrity, despite voting rights advocates pointing out that noncitizen voting is already illegal and rare. The bill's requirements could disproportionately impact rural voters who may face significant travel challenges to present their documents. Additionally, the measure would eliminate popular voter registration methods, such as online and mail registration. Having passed the House with a narrow margin, the SAVE Act now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain amid ongoing debates about voting rights and accessibility.