The bill aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens can register and vote in federal elections, requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. It specifies acceptable forms of ID, outlines eligibility verification processes, and imposes penalties for non-compliance, with provisions for DHS verification and federal agencies' information sharing. The Election Assistance Commission will issue implementation guidance, and the Paperwork Reduction Act won't apply. It also requires eligible photo ID for federal election voting, with special provisions for absentee voting and states utilizing the SAVE program, impacting voter registration, and voting requirements for federal elections.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act
This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification 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 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 (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses.
Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.
