Democrats are once again on the wrong side of a clear 80/20 issue, as they vote against the SAVE Act. This crucial bill, proudly backed by Republicans committed to ensuring fair elections, is set for a vote in the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act this morning.
The SAVE Act demands documentary proof of citizenship for federal elections. As it stands, one can vote for President, the House, and the Senate without a driver’s license or passport. This bill changes that by requiring a REAL ID-compliant license, U.S. passport, or a certified birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID.
But that’s just the beginning. The bill compels states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls using federal databases like the Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system and Social Security Administration’s tools. States must establish programs within 30 days of the bill’s enactment to find ineligible voters.
Furthermore, the SAVE Act demands federal agencies share citizenship data with state election officials within 24 hours, without any fees. Election officials registering non-citizens could face severe penalties, including federal charges. The Department of Homeland Security would also investigate and deport unlawfully registered noncitizens.
Despite the necessity of such measures, Democrats oppose the bill.
Election officials, voting rights advocates and Democrats have warned that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who don’t have easy access to identification documents.
Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., expressed his opposition:
“My Republican colleagues crafted and passed one of the most damaging voter suppression bills in modern history. There’s no doubt that women, military members, and people of color will be disproportionately impacted,” he stated. “The fight to stop this bill — to protect Americans’ sacred right to vote — is not over. I will do everything in my power to ensure every eligible American has access to the ballot box.”
It’s baffling how they can genuinely believe that women, minorities, and service members lack the capability to obtain an ID.
