SAVE America Act Threatens Voting Rights for Working Americans

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S.1383), also known as the SAVE America Act, does nothing to “save” America. In fact, this bill would make it significantly harder for millions of Americans to register and vote. This bill represents a significant threat to our democracy — and unless the Senate acts to stop it, it could become law before the upcoming midterm elections.

The SAVE America Act passed the House on Feb. 11, and now the White House is pressing the Senate to pass it quickly. Understanding the imminent threat this bill poses to our current system of elections, voting rights advocates and labor organizations across the country are mobilizing in opposition.

The legislation would impose strict new ID requirements on anyone registering to vote, demanding documentary proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or Social Security card. A REAL ID — the standard form of identification carried by most Americans — would not be sufficient. Only those in the minority of Americans who hold a valid passport would be able to satisfy the requirement without digging up additional paperwork.

The burdens don’t stop at registration. The SAVE America Act would also require voters casting mail-in ballots to include a photocopy of a qualifying ID, and anyone who registers by mail would still be required to appear in person to show proof of citizenship. Even routine updates, like a change of address, would need to be handled in person under the bill’s provisions.

The legislation also makes voter roll purges more likely — a particular concern for members who have had name changes, who could find themselves removed from the rolls and forced to re-register and prove citizenship all over again.

Working people already face enough barriers. This bill adds more — by design.

The Senate must reject this undemocratic power grab. Call your senators today at 844-402-1001 and tell them to vote NO on S. 1383, the SAVE America Act.