1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate and decisive action to defend American democracy against escalating threats to free and fair elections — including the SAVE Act, the Trump administration’s calls to “nationalize” voting, and a growing pattern of federal overreach into election administration that undermines democratic norms. The SAVE Act is being advanced as a measure to “secure” elections, yet in practice it risks creating sweeping new barriers to participation by requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Experts and election officials have warned that such requirements could disenfranchise millions of eligible Americans — including naturalized citizens, married women whose legal names differ from birth certificates, rural voters, and low-income communities — despite the fact that noncitizen voting in federal elections is already illegal and extremely rare. Congress should be expanding participation and strengthening confidence in democracy, not erecting new obstacles to the ballot box. Recent reporting makes clear that this legislation does not exist in isolation. President Trump has publicly urged Republicans to “nationalize” voting and take control over election procedures across multiple states — rhetoric that raises grave concerns about federal interference in election administration and the erosion of state-based electoral systems that have long safeguarded democratic pluralism. These efforts, combined with federal investigations targeting election infrastructure and officials, signal an alarming escalation away from democratic norms. We are approaching midterm elections that may determine the future direction of this country. Free, fair, and accessible elections must be protected — not reshaped to favor one party or suppress participation. Congress must act now: • Reject and block the SAVE Act or any legislation that creates new barriers to voting under the guise of election security. • Defend the constitutional balance that protects state and local election administration from partisan federal takeover. • Hold oversight hearings into attempts to federalize election control or intimidate election officials. • Advance pro-democracy legislation such as restoration of the Voting Rights Act, federal protections against voter suppression, and clear safeguards for election workers and administrators. • Publicly and unequivocally oppose rhetoric and policies aimed at delegitimizing elections or consolidating partisan control over voting systems. The United States has long claimed to be a model of democratic governance. That reputation is now at risk. The world is watching whether Congress will defend democratic norms or allow them to be eroded through incremental legislation and executive pressure. History will judge this moment. Americans need leaders who will stand firm, not compromise away the foundations of democracy. Protect the vote. Protect election integrity by protecting voters themselves. Act now.