Oppose H.R.22 SAVE Act!
Vote NO!
It's my understanding that the SAVE Act would negatively impact the lives of eligible voters who are women and have legally changed their last name (E.g. married and changed their last name, divorced but kept their spouse's last name, became a widow and kept their spouse's last name). It could also negatively impact and cause extreme hardship for any US citizen who is an eligible voter and has legally changed their name.
I've read posts by various organizations discussing one of the main issues with this bill is that women who have legally taken their spouse's last name may be deemed ineligible to vote because the names will not match their birth certificate.
In my opinion, the forms of documentation to validate citizenship and eligibility to vote listed in the SAVE Act may be up for interpretation, which could set a dangerous precedent. It is my understanding that voters affected by this would be required to show proof of citizenship IN PERSON whenever they register to vote or update their registration-including after moving. This raises more questions. What is the definition of "moving"? Moving from one state to another? Moving abroad? Moving from one residence to another within the same city? What is the definition of "update their registration"? For example, if an eligible voter wants to simply update their registration with a new email address or telephone number, would they be required to go in person bringing a myriad of documentation?
Other concerns I have and obstacles that may be created with the SAVE Act:
Access to purchase accepted forms of identification
Cost to purchase accepted forms of identification
Timeline to receive accepted forms of identification
There is no guarantee of receipt of said accepted forms of identification
Time off from work to go in person
Scheduling to go in person Transportation and traveling (especially if living in a rural area) to go into an office in person
Limited and diminishing availability of federal offices (closures currently in process)
Hardships on the elderly, homebound, and physically challenged citizens
Obstacles created for American citizens who live in other countries
Voter disenfranchisement
Voter intimidation
Voter suppression
Oppose the SAVE Act
Vote NO on H.R.22