The SAVE Act would impose burdensome restrictions that undermine voter registration for all Americans. This misguided legislation would require every voter to provide documentary proof of citizenship like a birth certificate or passport whenever registering or re-registering to vote, even for routine address changes. Survey data indicates over 21 million American citizens lack these documents readily available. The impact would likely be far greater, as the requirement applies broadly to re-registrations that tens of millions go through routinely. Longstanding methods of registration would be severely hampered or eliminated entirely, including mail, online, and automatic voter registration systems. Those without accepted documentation could be criminally prosecuted for attempting to register without papers. The disenfranchising effects on voters of color, married women, and younger voters would be severe. This unwarranted policy would erect insurmountable barriers to the freedom to vote for huge swaths of the electorate. Protecting voter rights requires Congress to reject the SAVE Act outright and uphold the fundamental democratic principle that every eligible American can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote. Pursuing policies that make it harder for millions to participate undermines the legitimacy of our elections.
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