The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the SAVE Act next week, which ensures that only U.S. citizens vote in elections.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) made the announcement on X. He stated,
“Next week, the House will vote on the SAVE Act to ensure ONLY American citizens vote in American elections. HERE’s how the legislation protects our elections and prevents noncitizens from voting:”
The legislation, known as H.R. 22, is sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and requires proof of U.S. citizenship before voting. However, the legislation only applies to federal elections.
Johnson also said that a “wide variety” of documents will be eligible as proof of citizenship. Various forms of federal identification cards will be used as proof of citizenship.
Democrats blasted the measure, saying it will make it harder for citizens to vote. In particular, Democrats say that “people of color” will be harmed by the legislation.
Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) said this about the SAVE Act when it was first introduced last year,
“Let me be clear: They don’t want you to vote. They don’t want to hear Black voices, Brown voices, LGBTQIA voices, young voices. Our fundamental access to our democracy is being politicized. And this xenophobic attack that we’re debating today will make it harder for Americans to vote. My Republican colleagues will claim that requiring IDs is a small ask, but nearly 30 million people lack a valid driver’s license, and about 15 to 18 million adults don’t have access to documents proving their birth or citizenship. Americans don’t need more obstacles. It’s already hard enough.”
Do you support the SAVE Act? Let us know in the comments below.
