The SAVE Act:
A Smokescreen for Voter Disenfranchisement
On December 19th, Representative Angie King deceptively posted the following on social media: “I believe that only citizens of the United States should be able to vote in our elections. HCR 18 urges Congress to enact the SAVE Act. The names in green want individuals to show proof of citizenship before becoming a registered voter. Apparently, the names in red want illegal aliens to vote.”
Let’s unpack the facts. Current law already makes it a criminal offense for a non-citizen to vote in U.S. elections. Additionally, instances of non-citizens voting are exceedingly rare. So, what does the SAVE Act actually aim to accomplish? Contrary to what Representative King would like you to believe, this legislation does little to address illegal voting. Instead, it serves as a thinly veiled attempt to make voting more difficult for eligible, lawful citizens.
For decades, the Republican Party has employed the guise of “election integrity” to justify policies that ultimately disenfranchise voters. The SAVE Act fits neatly into this pattern. It’s not about stopping non-citizens from voting; it’s about adding unnecessary barriers for lawful voters to exercise their constitutional rights.
How the SAVE Act Hurts Married Women
One glaring issue with the SAVE Act is its potential to disenfranchise millions of married American women. Many women take their spouse’s surname upon marriage, a choice that often leads to mismatches between their legal documents. For instance, a woman’s birth certificate remains in her maiden name, while her voter registration or ID may reflect her married name. Resolving these discrepancies under the SAVE Act’s stringent requirements could create administrative nightmares.
Obtaining the necessary documentation—such as a marriage certificate to link a maiden name to a married name—can be both costly and time-consuming. This is especially burdensome for low-income women who may not have the resources to obtain certified copies of documents or navigate complicated bureaucratic processes. The result? Many women could be unfairly denied the ability to register to vote.
Broader Implications of the SAVE Act
The SAVE Act doesn’t stop at harming married women. Its added documentation requirements would disproportionately impact other marginalized groups, including:
LGBTQ individuals: Many transgender or nonbinary individuals may face challenges with documentation that does not align with their gender identity or chosen name.
People of color: Historically, voter ID laws and documentation requirements have been used to suppress the votes of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
Naturalized citizens: Immigrants who have legally become U.S. citizens may face additional scrutiny and burdensome proof-of-citizenship requirements.
Low-income individuals: Those living paycheck to paycheck may lack the means to secure expensive or hard-to-obtain documents.
The United States already boasts some of the most secure elections in the world. Despite this, states continue to pile on barriers that make it harder for lawful voters to participate. These barriers disproportionately affect the very communities that are already underrepresented in the electoral process.
The Bigger Picture
Voting should be safe and secure—on that, we can all agree. But it should also be accessible to every eligible citizen. The SAVE Act is a step in the wrong direction, one that prioritizes unfounded fears over the fundamental right to vote.
Instead of solving a problem that barely exists, the SAVE Act creates new ones. It’s not about protecting democracy; it’s about making it harder for everyday Americans to have their voices heard.
Representative King’s rhetoric may try to stoke fear, but don’t be fooled. The real issue isn’t non-citizens voting. It’s the relentless effort to disenfranchise lawful voters under the guise of “election security.” Let’s fight back against these tactics and demand a system that works for all Americans.
More Information:
VoteRiders - The SAVE Act Is Dangerous for Democracy
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights - Civil Rights Groups Letter in Opposition to SAVE Act
Bipartisan Policy Center - Five Things to Know About the SAVE Act
MSNBC - The SAVE Act saves nobody — but would make it harder to vote