The bill aims to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. It outlines additional processes for those without such proof, including the submission of alternative evidence and the development of a uniform affidavit for use by state and local officials. It mandates states to identify non-citizens, update voter registration forms, and imposes criminal penalties for specific violations. The bill also permits states to adopt identical requirements and requires guidance from the Election Assistance Commission. It impacts the process of voter registration and the sharing of information between the Department of Homeland Security and election officials.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE Act
This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship.
Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.
Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources.
Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.
The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
