The SAVE ACT (H.R. 22)
VOTER INFORMATION
​Portsmouth voters do you have a passport, original birth certificate or a REAL ID, if the answer is no, then you can't vote in the upcoming election if the SAVE Act is passed in the Senate? On April 10, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act with a 220–208 vote, primarily along party lines. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), mandates that individuals provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—when registering or updating their voter registration for federal elections. (Axios)
Key Provisions of the SAVE Act:
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Proof of Citizenship Requirement: Applicants must present in-person documentation proving U.S. citizenship to register or update their registration.​
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Removal of Noncitizens from Voter Rolls: The bill mandates the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls and introduces criminal penalties for state officials who register voters without verifying citizenship.
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Impact on Registration Methods: The legislation could eliminate convenient registration methods like online and mail-in services, increasing burdens on election workers.
Support and Opposition:
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Supporters' Viewpoint: Proponents argue that the SAVE Act is necessary to ensure election integrity by preventing noncitizens from voting, despite no substantial evidence of widespread voter fraud.
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Critics' Concerns: Opponents, including voting rights advocates, warn that the bill could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly marginalized groups like people of color, the elderly, rural residents, and those born in U.S. territories. They also point out that nearly half of U.S. citizens lack passports, potentially complicating voter registration. (The Guardian)
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Next Steps:
The SAVE Act now proceeds to the Senate, where it faces a challenging path due to the need for bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster. A previous version of the bill failed in the Senate, and its future remains uncertain. ​
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We encourage everyone to read the SAVE ACT and get informed!
H.R. 22 SAVE Act
The SAVE Act: 5 things to know
Bill requiring proof of citizenship
How will the SAVE Act affect Portsmouth voters?
