Imagine refusing to show your ID at the airport because, technically, you’ve already promised you’re not a threat. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, this is the logic 198 House Democrats employed when they voted against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
Opposing the SAVE Act certainly raises questions about the priorities of House Democrats. Ensuring that only eligible citizens vote in our elections is common sense and a necessary step toward restoring public confidence in our democracy.
Many public figures and politicians have recently compared opposition to the SAVE Act to treason. Treason, as defined by the U.S. Constitution, involves levying war against the country or aiding its enemies. Opposing the SAVE Act doesn’t fall under this category.
However, this opposition challenges the enforcement of existing laws prohibiting noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 already makes it illegal for noncitizens to vote in these elections. The SAVE Act simply strengthens this existing framework by requiring documentary proof of citizenship at the time of voter registration.
The SAVE Act introduces a straightforward requirement for proof of citizenship, which is a logical extension of the existing requirement for voters to attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury. Here’s why this legislation is essential: Allegations of voter fraud and election interference are rampant. By ensuring that only eligible citizens can vote, the SAVE Act helps restore public trust in the electoral process.
Critics argue the SAVE Act could disenfranchise certain groups, such as college students and the homeless, who might lack the required documentation. However, the act includes provisions for these individuals to submit alternative documentation and attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury. This approach balances the need for strict verification with the practical challenges some citizens face.
The SAVE Act doesn’t introduce a new voting restriction but rather reinforces existing laws. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 already requires states to use a common voter registration form that includes a citizenship attestation. The SAVE Act simply adds an additional layer of verification to ensure the accuracy of this attestation.
While implementing the SAVE Act will require changes to voter registration processes, these changes are necessary investments in our democratic system. Furthermore, the act allows states to use existing databases and systems to verify citizenship, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
Opponents of the SAVE Act, primarily from the Democratic Party, argue that it introduces unnecessary barriers to voting and that noncitizen voting is already illegal. However, these arguments overlook the practical benefits of the act. Relying on an honor system for voter registration is insufficient in an era where public trust in elections is dwindling. By requiring documentary proof of citizenship, the SAVE Act addresses this gap and ensures that voter rolls are accurate and reliable.
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Opposing the SAVE Act is a damning look that shows democratic legislators are out of touch with the public’s demand for election integrity and transparency. When voter confidence is fragile, resisting measures that enhance verification processes is perceived as a failure to uphold the very principles of democracy. This stance not only undermines efforts to protect the sanctity of the vote but also alienates constituents who are concerned about the integrity of our electoral system.
At a time when public trust in our electoral system is at an all-time low, reinforcing the integrity of voter registration processes is essential. The SAVE Act provides a commonsense solution to ensure that only eligible citizens participate in our elections, thereby strengthening the foundation of our democracy. In a world where we routinely show ID for everyday activities, ensuring the integrity of our vote should be no different.
Parker McCumber is a doctoral student, entrepreneur, commissioned officer in the National Guard, and a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. Follow him on X @Parker_McCumber.