The House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday designed to ensure only American citizens vote in federal elections. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, pushed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, passed with a final vote of 221-198. Notably, five Democrats voted in favor of the measure.
The bill, introduced by Roy in May and championed by former President Trump, now heads to the Senate where it faces strong opposition from Democrats. President Biden has also vowed to veto the measure.
The SAVE Act mandates that state election officials inquire about citizenship before providing voter registration forms. Additionally, it requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote in federal elections. The bill also allows state officials to accept a variety of documents for easy voter registration and provides states with access to a federal agency database to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and confirm citizenship for those lacking proof.
The bill further directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate and potentially initiate removal proceedings against noncitizens identified as having registered to vote in federal elections. The bill also requires DHS to notify state chief election officials when an individual is naturalized, enabling them to exercise their newly acquired right to vote.
Supporters of the bill, including the Tea Party Patriots Action, argue it will bolster the integrity of federal elections by closing loopholes that allow noncitizens to register and vote. They view it as a crucial step in upholding the sanctity of the democratic process and ensuring that only American citizens cast votes in federal elections.
Opponents of the bill, however, contend that it is redundant and unnecessary as current U.S. law already restricts voting in federal elections to citizens. They point to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which prevents states from confirming citizenship status. Critics also argue that the bill would unfairly deny U.S. citizens their right to vote, and its impact on preventing noncitizens from voting would be minimal.
The SAVE Act’s passage in the House represents a significant step forward for Republicans who prioritize election integrity. However, its future in the Senate remains uncertain, and its fate ultimately rests with the President’s decision on whether to sign it into law.
