A controversial new bill requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote in federal elections has successfully passed the House of Representatives, with a close 220-208 vote. Known as the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, it is now headed to the Senate, where it will need at least 60 votes to proceed further.
If approved, the SAVE Act would establish uniform federal guidelines for verifying citizenship during voter registration, a significant shift from the current system where individual states determine their own registration requirements. Key provisions of the bill include:
- Mandating in-person proof of citizenship for federal election voter registration.
- Requiring the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls.
- Implementing nationwide standards for verifying citizenship status.
- Creating legal mechanisms to enforce these regulations.
Currently, each state has its own rules on voter registration, with some requiring official documentation and others allowing individuals to self-certify their citizenship.
Proponents argue that the bill is a vital step toward safeguarding election integrity, ensuring that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in national elections.
