House Passes SAVE Act, Raising Concerns Over Voting Access

The controversial bill, requiring in-person proof of citizenship for voter registration, now heads to the Senate for deliberation.

The SAVE Act mandates in-person presentation of original or certified documents, such as birth certificates or passports, to register or update voter registration for federal elections.
Critics warn the bill could disenfranchise millions of Americans, including married women whose legal names may not match their birth certificates, and those lacking necessary documentation.
The legislation eliminates online and mail-in voter registration, creating barriers for rural, disabled, low-income, and overseas voters who may struggle to register in person.
Proponents argue the bill is necessary to prevent illegal noncitizen voting, despite studies showing such instances are exceedingly rare.
Legal experts question the constitutionality of the bill, asserting that voter eligibility requirements are traditionally determined by states, not Congress.