Conservative lawmakers are pushing for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to combat noncitizen voting in federal elections, sparking debate over election integrity and voter access.
At a Glance
- The SAVE Act aims to prevent noncitizen voting by requiring stricter citizenship verification
- Conservatives argue the act is necessary to ensure election integrity
- Critics worry the act could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly citizens of color
- The legislation faces challenges in the Senate but may pass in Republican-led states
- The push comes despite a lack of evidence for widespread noncitizen voting
Conservative Lawmakers Rally Behind SAVE Act
As the newly elected GOP-controlled Congress settles in, conservative lawmakers are renewing their focus on election integrity with the introduction of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy and supported by the State Freedom Caucus Network, the act aims to strengthen voter citizenship verification processes in federal elections.
“American elections belong to American citizens, and the public’s confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic,” Rep. Chip Roy said.
The SAVE Act would require states to implement rigorous verification procedures for voter citizenship and remove any registered noncitizens from voter rolls. Supporters argue that this measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of U.S. elections, especially in light of ongoing debates surrounding immigration control and voter confidence.
Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement
Critics of the SAVE Act, however, warn that the proposed legislation could potentially disenfranchise eligible voters by imposing strict proof-of-citizenship requirements.
It’s the usual tired, nonsensical argument the Democrats have been using for years. And it’s an argument that the American people have rejected time and time again.
They argue that such measures could disproportionately impact citizens of color and Democratic voters, raising concerns about voter suppression.
Election officials and voting rights advocates point out that noncitizen voting is already illegal and not a significant issue in U.S. elections. They argue that the proposed measures are unnecessary and could create barriers for legitimate voters.
Conservative Strategy for Election Reform
The push for the SAVE Act is part of a broader conservative strategy focused on enhancing electoral integrity. Cleta Mitchell, a prominent conservative elections attorney, is leading efforts to implement more restrictive voting policies, including the elimination of early voting and same-day registration.
“Here is something I think that we need to make clear to election administrators: Your job is to administer the elections according to the law and to treat every voter and group of voters the same. Your job is not voter turnout,” Cleta Mitchell said.
The State Freedom Caucus Network, launched in 2021 to support state-level conservative caucuses, has been instrumental in advocating for the SAVE Act. Members argue that the current border crisis and increased voter registration efforts have heightened the risk of noncitizen voting.
While the SAVE Act faces significant challenges in the Senate, it may find success in Republican-led states. The push for this legislation coincides with GOP control of Congress and President-elect Trump’s upcoming inauguration, potentially creating a favorable environment for its passage.