1. United States
2. Vt.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent who values the right to participate fully in our democracy. I respectfully urge you not to support the SAVE Act (H.R. 22), which would require voters to present a birth certificate or passport at every election in order to confirm eligibility. Why this measure is problematic 1. Unconstitutional burden on free speech and assembly. The First Amendment protects voting as a form of political expression. Requiring specific documentation effectively creates a “poll tax” that deters participation, especially among low‑income voters who must pay for these documents—an expense that the Constitution expressly forbids. 2. Disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Birth certificates and passports are not free. For many households the cost of obtaining or renewing these documents is a substantial obstacle, disproportionately affecting people of color, low‑income families, and rural residents who must travel long distances to request them. 3. Existing federal safeguards suffice. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) already establishes that voter identification requirements are limited to those explicitly listed in the law. Adding a birth certificate or passport requirement would exceed HAVA’s scope without a compelling need for additional verification. 4. Risk of disenfranchisement and legal challenge. States have historically used identification requirements to suppress minority turnout; adding a costly document could trigger litigation under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, potentially invalidating the act and harming your district’s reputation as an advocate for equal voting rights. What we can do instead Strengthen automatic voter registration and make same‑day registration available at polling places. Expand the use of non‑photo identification that is inexpensive or free (e.g., utility bills, library cards). Fund outreach programs to help voters obtain necessary documents when needed—turning a barrier into a support system rather than a gate. I trust you will consider these concerns and advocate for policies that preserve every citizen’s right to vote without imposing unnecessary financial burdens. Thank you for your service and for listening to the voices of your constituents.