The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in a 220–208 vote, moving forward legislation that would require individuals to provide documented proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections. The measure reflects growing concerns among some lawmakers about the potential for noncitizen voting, despite the fact that it is already illegal under federal law.
The bill now proceeds to the Senate, where it faces a more difficult path. In order to advance, it must secure at least 60 votes to overcome a likely filibuster, a threshold that will require support from both Republicans and a number of Democrats. If the SAVE Act becomes law, it would impose a uniform, nationwide requirement for citizenship verification—overriding the current patchwork of state-level policies and procedures.
In addition to requiring proof of citizenship during voter registration, the proposed legislation mandates the identification and removal of noncitizens from existing voter rolls and calls for increased federal oversight to ensure compliance. Supporters of the bill argue that these measures are essential to safeguarding the integrity of American elections and restoring public confidence in the democratic process. They point to the importance of maintaining accurate voter records and preventing any unauthorized voting.
Critics, however, warn that the bill could lead to voter suppression, particularly among marginalized communities, including naturalized citizens who may face bureaucratic hurdles in producing documentation. They argue that there is little evidence of widespread noncitizen voting and that the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters under the guise of election security.
As the Senate prepares to debate the bill, the SAVE Act is expected to remain a flashpoint in the broader national conversation about voting rights, election integrity, and the balance between security and accessibility in the democratic process.