Plain Language Summary
# SAVE Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) requires people registering to vote in federal elections to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies which documents are acceptable—such as IDs that comply with the REAL ID Act—and requires states to set up an alternative process for applicants who may not have traditional documentation but can provide other evidence of citizenship. **Who It Affects** This bill affects anyone registering to vote in federal elections and the states that administer voter registration.
It applies nationwide and would change current registration practices in states that don't already require citizenship verification at registration. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). It now awaits action in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE ActThis 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.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.