Congressional Republicans in Washington D.C. have advanced a bill that would require proof of United States citizenship in order to register to vote in hopes of securing the country’s elections.
This proposal has sparked strong push-back from legislative Democrats and the Biden Administration, arguing that it would do nothing to secure elections and only make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots.
[RELATED: White House Condemns Proposed Bill Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote]
Similar arguments have emerged in the past with respect to the debate over proposed voter ID laws.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — referred to as the SAVE Act — was put forward earlier this year by a large group of Republican lawmakers with the purpose of protecting the integrity of U.S. elections in light of the surge in illegal immigration.
Under the proposed law, those seeking voter registration would need to provide “documentary proof of United States citizenship,” such as a REAL ID compliant form of identification, passport, military ID, or a government-issued photo ID “showing that the applicant’s place of birth was in the United States.”
Other government-issued photo IDs may be used if presented in conjunction with another qualifying document, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
Click Here for More Information on the SAVE Act
Although both the SAVE Act and voter ID proposals would require those interested in casting a ballot to produce documentation, these policies focus on different parts of the voting process.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) — one of the forty-nine House lawmakers in the cohort that introduced this bill — advocated for the SAVE Act as a means by which to “end the practice of non-citizens voting in our elections.”
Secure elections are a key cornerstone for any representative government; without them, we won’t have a country,” Rep. Roy said. “Radical progressive Democrats know this and are using open border policies while also attacking election integrity laws to fundamentally remake America.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has also spoken in support of this bill. “As we approach the 2024 elections,” he said, “the American people must have absolute certainty in the integrity of our election system.”
“This bill would fortify federal elections by ensuring that only American citizens vote in American elections,” Speaker Johnson continued. “I am grateful to Congressman Roy for his important leadership on this critical issue and for introducing this legislation in the House.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) — who introduced companion legislation in the Senate — described this bill as a means by which to “save our democratic process and representative government.”
“Illegal immigrants and non-citizens across the nation are being improperly registered to vote, allowing them to cast illegitimate ballots in federal elections,” Sen. Less said. “At a time when trust in voting is more important than ever, we must stop foreign election interference and pass the SAVE Act.”
“Voting is both a sacred right and responsibility of American citizenship, and allowing the people of other nations access to our elections is a grave blow to our security and self-governance,” he said.
Click Here to Read the Full Press Release
There is currently a petitioning effort in Maine to gather signatures in support of placing a proposed voter ID law on the ballot during a future election.
While the SAVE Act is focused on verifying citizenship at the time of registration, this proposal would require voters to produce identification at the time they cast their ballots.
In order to go before Maine voters, the petition backing this proposal must be signed by more than 67,000 people, a number that is calculated based on the turnout levels from the most recent gubernatorial election.
Because this proposal was submitted after the filing deadline for 2024, the measure will be eligible for placement on the ballot beginning in 2025.
Behind this effort is Rep. Laurel Libby’s (R-Auburn) Dinner Table political action committee (PAC), a group that refers to itself as “the largest and most active conservative grassroots organization in Maine.”
If approved, Maine voters would be required to show a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or “free non-driver identification card” in order submit their votes.
“Non-driver identification cards” would be provided free-of-charge to those who do not have a valid drivers license, thus eliminating any income-based barrier to voter eligibility.
The exact procedure through which these IDs could be obtained, however, would be determined by the Secretary of State at a later date.
No reason not to have proof of citizenship to vote. Except it makes it much harder for democrats to cheat. It is way to easy to vote and cheat in this country.
Hey congressional democrats …….fuck you !
“This proposal has sparked strong push-back from legislative Democrats and the Biden Administration, arguing that it would do nothing to secure elections and only make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots.”
We Americans already know how to cast our ballots. What the Democrats have conveniently forgotten to include in this statement is that such a bill “will make it easier for non-Americans to cast their ballots.”
It seems to me that we already have laws on the books that prohibit non-American non-citizens from being registered to vote. But since the Democrats have a poor track record of upholding the laws of this country anyway, why do we think they’ll pay any attention to this one, should it pass?
@robert Manson, I agree!! And the rhinos!
Why are we allowing NON-CITIZENS to register to vote? Seems insane!
Non-citizens in Maine are given a Maine Driver’s License so how could that be accepted as Voter ID as indicated in the Petition for Voter ID Law?
Obviously, we need to improve the voter registration process 1st, then follow it up with use of Voter ID.
It astounds me how voting has become some wholesale process in the minds of many – perhaps to ease the gathering of an illegal electorate. This is a solemn process in a representative republic and should be treated as such with a national holiday on voting day in November. What an insult to the intelligence of every citizen to say voter ID laws will make it difficult to register and show proof. I call BS.
What took em so long?
Now hammer the democrats for failure to do what the majority of US citizens want.
What is not being said if we citizens do not work and pay our taxes there will be no money to buy government hand outs and no pay checks for the elect swamp folk. Why be a citizen if have no say in what my taxes pay for.
I can’t buy a pack of cigarettes or Beer unless I show my ID. This needs to happen. Fuck you Democrats
We need to go to every voting location and watch WHO is allowed in. No other country allows non citizens to vote… American must stand firm or else all will be lost!
Not a snowballs chance in hell. Too many RINO’s like Collins that this will ever see the light of day. It’s racist to have to have photo ID to vote, not racist to have to have photo ID to buy booze, tobacco, open a bank account………………….@$$hats