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A bill to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.
1/17/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 128
If passed, this legislation would require individuals to provide documentation such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate when registering to vote. This proof of citizenship requirement would apply to all individuals seeking to register for federal elections, including both new voters and those updating their registration information.
Supporters of the bill argue that requiring proof of citizenship is necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral system and prevent non-citizens from voting illegally. They believe that this measure will help ensure that only eligible citizens are able to participate in the democratic process. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it could disenfranchise eligible voters who may not have easy access to the necessary documentation. They also raise concerns about the potential for the requirement to disproportionately impact certain groups, such as low-income individuals and minorities. Overall, Bill 119 s 128 represents a significant proposed change to voter registration requirements for federal elections. It has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups about the balance between preventing voter fraud and ensuring access to the ballot box for all eligible citizens.
Congressional Summary of S 128
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE Act
This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship.
Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.
Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources.
Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.
The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
