1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to vote against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (H.R.22/S.128). While proponents frame this legislation as a narrow measure requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, the SAVE Act would actually implement one of the harshest voter suppression laws in the nation, threatening the voting rights of eligible Americans. The SAVE Act imposes extreme documentation requirements that go far beyond reasonable proof of citizenship mandates. These burdensome requirements would disrupt both mail and online voter registration systems, creating unnecessary barriers for eligible voters trying to exercise their constitutional right. Many Americans, particularly those from low-income communities, rural areas, and older populations, face significant challenges obtaining the specific documents this bill would require. The legislation mandates error-ridden voter purges that risk removing eligible voters from registration rolls. History has shown that aggressive purge programs disproportionately affect legitimate voters who then face confusion and obstacles when attempting to cast their ballots. These purges undermine election integrity rather than protecting it. Perhaps most troubling, the SAVE Act subjects election workers to harsh criminal penalties simply for performing their regular job duties. This creates a chilling effect on election administration at a time when we desperately need dedicated professionals to run our elections. Threatening criminal prosecution for routine administrative decisions will drive experienced workers away from this essential public service. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. This legislation solves a problem that does not exist while creating real barriers for eligible voters. I urge you to stand with your constituents and vote against the SAVE Act. Our democracy depends on making voting more accessible, not less.