House Republicans passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act on Thursday, requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The bill, a top priority for President Donald Trump, aligns with his recent executive order on election reforms.
Republicans argue the bill is essential to ensure only citizens vote, while Democrats warn it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who lack the required documents. The legislation mandates in-person submission of documents such as a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate with ID.
🚨The SAVE Act has passed the House!
— Bryan Steil (@RepBryanSteil) April 10, 2025
American elections are for American citizens. https://t.co/crgvnJE15A
Democrats cited a 2023 study showing over 21 million voting-age Americans lack proof of citizenship. Critics also point to a similar Kansas law that blocked over 31,000 eligible voters before being ruled unconstitutional.
🚨 'ABSURD WE'RE PROTECTING BEER MORE THAN PROTECTING BALLOTS!': House Republican Rep. Bryan Steil goes off in support of the SAVE Act, supposed to be passed today.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 10, 2025
The SAVE Act requires proof of citizenship to register vote.
"We should be making sure that ONLY U.S. citizens… pic.twitter.com/DOc2ulrPQR
Though the GOP now controls the Senate, the bill is unlikely to overcome a Democratic filibuster. Voting rights advocates call the measure unnecessary, citing the rarity of noncitizen voting.
