Ensuring Only American Citizens Decide Our Elections

Elections shape the future of the United States, making it essential that only eligible voters participate. The SAVE America Act introduces straightforward election protections to ensure that only lawful American citizens vote in federal elections. This legislation responds to widespread public support for voter ID laws and proof-of-citizenship requirements, aiming to strengthen the integrity of the voting process.

Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. Yet, in many states, individuals only need to declare they are citizens without providing any proof. This gap creates potential risks for election integrity. The SAVE America Act addresses this by requiring in-person proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. This commonsense safeguard ensures that every voter is verified as a legitimate American citizen.

A 2024 Gallup poll found that 83% of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote for the first time. This strong majority reflects a clear public desire to protect the voting process from fraud and maintain trust in election outcomes.

The SAVE America Act also requires voters to present a government-issued photo ID before voting. This requirement is widely popular across the political spectrum. According to a 2025 Pew Research poll:

• 83% of Americans support showing a government-issued photo ID to vote

• 95% of Republicans support it

• 71% of Democrats support it

• 82% of Hispanic Americans support it

• 76% of Black Americans support it

  
  

These numbers demonstrate broad agreement that voter ID laws are a reasonable step to secure elections.

The Act recognizes that voters have many options to prove their citizenship and identity. Acceptable documents include:

• State IDs and driver’s licenses

• United States passports

• Military IDs with proof of U.S. birth

• Government-issued photo ID cards from federal, state, or tribal governments

• Other government-issued photo IDs presented alongside birth certificates, hospital birth records, adoption decrees, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificates, or KIC American Indian Cards

  
  

This variety ensures that voters can easily meet the requirements without undue burden.

Some critics claim that married women might face difficulties proving citizenship if their current name differs from their birth name. House Democrat Jared Golden has publicly debunked this claim, explaining that the SAVE America Act requires states to have plans to accommodate voters whose names have changed. Life events like marriage should never affect a person’s eligibility to vote.

This provision shows the Act’s attention to practical challenges while maintaining strong safeguards.

Another key feature of the SAVE America Act is the requirement for states to remove non-citizens from their voter rolls. This step helps prevent illegal voting and ensures that election results reflect the will of American citizens only.

Election integrity has become a central concern for many Americans. Ensuring that only eligible voters participate is critical to maintaining confidence in our democratic processes. The SAVE America Act responds to this need with clear, enforceable rules that reflect the will of the people.

By requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID, and by cleaning voter rolls, the Act helps protect elections from fraud and error. It respects voters’ rights while strengthening the democratic system.

Understanding the SAVE America Act helps voters appreciate the importance of election security. Supporting measures that require proof of citizenship and voter ID can help ensure that every vote counts and that election results are fair and accurate.

Stay informed about election laws in your state and participate in discussions about how to improve voting processes. Your voice matters in shaping policies that protect the integrity of American elections.