Fact Check: New tool could disenfranchise millions by complicating citizenship proof
What We Know
The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act, which mandates documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for anyone registering to vote. This legislation has raised significant concerns among voting rights groups, who argue that it could disenfranchise millions of Americans. According to AP News, the requirement is a priority for House Republicans and President Donald Trump, who claim it is necessary to prevent noncitizen voting, which is already rare and often unintentional.
The SAVE Act would require voters to provide specific documents to prove their citizenship, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a military ID. However, many driver’s licenses do not indicate citizenship, and only a few states offer a REAL ID alternative that explicitly states citizenship status (WHYY). Furthermore, approximately 21 million U.S. citizens of voting age do not have readily available proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, which could create barriers for them to register to vote (Brennan Center for Justice).
Analysis
The SAVE Act's requirement for documentary proof of citizenship could indeed complicate the voter registration process. Critics argue that the legislation does not adequately account for the realities faced by many Americans who may not have easy access to the necessary documents. For instance, women who have changed their names due to marriage may find it particularly challenging to provide matching identification (AP News).
The potential disenfranchisement is further highlighted by the fact that many eligible voters live in rural areas where accessing local election offices can be difficult. The legislation stipulates that applicants must present their proof of citizenship in person, which could be a significant hurdle for those living far from these offices (WHYY).
While proponents of the bill argue that it includes provisions for states to develop processes for accepting supplemental documents, critics note that the lack of specificity could lead to inconsistent application across states, potentially resulting in further disenfranchisement (AP News, Brennan Center for Justice).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with AP News and WHYY being established news organizations that report on legislative matters, while the Brennan Center for Justice is a well-respected nonpartisan law and policy institute focused on voting rights.
Conclusion
The claim that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions by complicating the proof of citizenship for voter registration is True. The legislation's requirements for documentary proof, combined with the lack of accessible identification for many eligible voters, create significant barriers to registration. This situation is exacerbated by the realities of name changes and geographical access to election offices, which could further disenfranchise vulnerable populations.
