Plain Language Summary
# SAVE Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) would require people to show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Currently, states have different voter registration requirements. This bill would create a uniform federal standard, specifying that acceptable documents include those complying with the REAL ID Act (like certain driver's licenses or passports).
States would also need to establish an alternative process for applicants to submit other evidence of citizenship if they don't have the primary forms of identification. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects voters registering for the first time and states, which would need to update their voter registration systems and processes. Election officials would need to verify citizenship documents before processing registrations. Proponents argue it protects election integrity, while opponents contend it could create barriers for eligible voters, particularly low-income individuals, elderly citizens, and minorities who may lack certain forms of ID. **Current Status** The bill is sponsored by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE ActThis bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship.Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources.Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.