U.S. House Passes SAVE Act, Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration

The bill, approved in a 220-208 vote with bipartisan support, faces intense debate over its potential impact on minority voters and its alignment with international election standards.

The SAVE Act mandates proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a Real ID, passport, or birth certificate, for voter registration in federal elections.
The legislation also requires in-person voter registration and imposes strict penalties for noncompliance, including potential prison time for election officials who fail to verify citizenship documentation.
Supporters, including Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, argue the bill strengthens electoral integrity and restores public trust in elections, citing low confidence in recent election fairness.
Critics, including Hillary Clinton and Rep. Bennie Thompson, warn the bill could disenfranchise minority groups and women with name discrepancies, though the bill includes provisions to address such issues.
Proponents claim the SAVE Act aligns U.S. election standards with those of democracies like Canada, Australia, and Germany, which enforce strict citizenship requirements for voting.