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The SAVE Act: A Controversial Voting Bill That Could Disenfranchise Many Women
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is a proposed bill that has stirred national controversy due to its potential impact on voter registration. Introduced by Representative Chip Roy,
a Republican from Texas, in 2024, the bill has been reintroduced in the 119th Congress under the administration of President Donald Trump. The bill has gained support among conservative lawmakers who argue it will protect the integrity of federal elections, while opponents warn it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters—especially married women who have changed their last names.
Key Sponsors of the SAVE Act
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) – The primary sponsor who initially introduced the bill in 2024.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – Senate Rules Committee Chair, who has supported similar legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) – A co-sponsor of the bill, actively supporting its requirement for proof of U.S. citizenship in federal elections.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – Senate Rules Committee Chair, who has supported similar legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) – A co-sponsor of the bill, actively supporting its requirement for proof of U.S. citizenship in federal elections.
What the SAVE Act Proposes
The SAVE Act mandates that every individual registering to vote in federal elections must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
Accepted documents include:
A valid U.S. passport
A certified birth certificate (along with a government-issued photo ID)
A REAL ID-compliant form of identification that explicitly verifies U.S. citizenship
A certified birth certificate (along with a government-issued photo ID)
A REAL ID-compliant form of identification that explicitly verifies U.S. citizenship
However, the bill does not recognize marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or legal name change documents as valid proof of identity. This has raised alarms among women who have legally changed their last names due to marriage or divorce, as their birth certificates may no longer match their current legal names.
Potential Consequences for Married Women
Critics argue that the SAVE Act unfairly targets women who have changed their names due to marriage or divorce. The main concerns include:
Birth Certificates Do Not Reflect Name Changes – Most women take their spouse’s last name after marriage, meaning their birth certificate does not match their current legal name.
Marriage Certificates Are Not Accepted – The SAVE Act does not permit marriage certificates or legal name change orders as proof of identity, meaning married or divorced women could be blocked from registering to vote.
Obtaining a Birth Certificate Can Be Costly, Time-Consuming, & Bureaucratic – In some states, obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate can take weeks or even months, requiring multiple steps such as submitting notarized applications, waiting for processing, and sometimes even retrieving records from out-of-state agencies. Costs can range from $15–$50 or more, adding financial barriers to voter registration.
Women Would Need to Update Other Forms of ID to Match Their Birth Certificate – To obtain a valid passport or REAL ID, women who changed their names would have to update these documents to match their birth certificate. This means women could be forced to legally change their name back to their maiden name or go through additional legal hurdles just to obtain the identification required to vote.
Passports and REAL IDs Require Name Consistency – To get a passport or REAL ID, the name on the application must match the supporting legal documents. If a woman’s current legal name does not match her birth certificate, she would need to update her passport or REAL ID to reflect her birth certificate or obtain a court-ordered name change.
Extra Legal and Financial Burdens for Women – Because the SAVE Act does not allow marriage certificates or divorce decrees as proof, many women would have to go through a costly and time-consuming name change process (court order)r to obtain ID that meets the new requirements.
Legal and Financial Ripple Effects – If a woman is forced to change her name back to what is listed on her birth certificate, this would create a ripple effect requiring updates to all legal and financial records, including:
Legal and Financial Ripple Effects – If a woman is forced to change her name back to what is listed on her birth certificate, this would create a ripple effect requiring updates to all legal and financial records, including:
Bank accounts, credit cards, and loans
Business ownership documents and contracts
Property deeds, mortgages, and car titles
Tax records and Social Security information
Insurance policies, medical records, and employment records
Professional licenses and memberships
Utility bills and subscriptions
This means that the SAVE Act could force women to legally and financially reset their entire identity just to comply with voter registration rules, a burden that men rarely face.
The Debate: Voter Security vs. Voter Suppression
Supporters of the SAVE Act (including President Trump and its Republican sponsors) argue that requiring proof of citizenship will prevent non-citizens from voting and increase election security.
Opponents claim the bill is a form of voter suppression, particularly targeting women, the elderly, low-income voters, and minorities who may not have easy access to their birth certificates or passports.
Civil rights groups, including the League of Women Voters and the ACLU, have warned that the law could amount to an unconstitutional poll tax, as it forces citizens to pay for documents to exercise their right to vote.
Next Steps for the SAVE Act
Committee Review – The bill has been referred to the relevant House and Senate committees, where lawmakers will debate and vote on whether to advance it.
House & Senate Votes – If the bill passes out of committee, it will proceed to the House of Representatives and Senate for a full vote.
Presidential Decision – If both chambers pass the bill, it will go to President Donald Trump for signature or veto.
Legal Challenges Expected – Given the controversy surrounding the bill, it is likely that civil rights groups will challenge it in court if it becomes law.
House & Senate Votes – If the bill passes out of committee, it will proceed to the House of Representatives and Senate for a full vote.
Presidential Decision – If both chambers pass the bill, it will go to President Donald Trump for signature or veto.
Legal Challenges Expected – Given the controversy surrounding the bill, it is likely that civil rights groups will challenge it in court if it becomes law.
What Can Voters Do?
What Can Voters Do to Make Their Voices Heard?
Call or email lawmakers – Contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators to express opposition to the SAVE Act and explain how it affects voters, especially women.
Attend town halls and public meetings – Engaging directly with elected officials puts pressure on them to listen to constituents.
Share information on social media – Raising awareness about the SAVE Act’s potential impact can encourage others to take action.
Volunteer with voting rights organizations – Groups like the ACLU, League of Women Voters, and Vote.org work to combat voter suppression laws.
Organize and join protests – Peaceful demonstrations can draw public and media attention to the potential consequences of the SAVE Act.
Write letters to local newspapers – Publishing opinion pieces in local news outlets can inform a broader audience and influence public discourse.
Vote in elections – The best way to protect voting rights is to elect leaders who support fair voting laws.
Conclusion
The SAVE Act is a highly controversial bill that could reshape voter registration in the United States. While its supporters claim it will enhance election security, its opponents argue it is a direct attack on women and other vulnerable voters who may struggle to meet the documentation requirements. If passed, the law could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. With the bill now in Congress under President Donald Trump’s administration, its fate will be determined in the coming months.
For now, voters should stay informed, check their documents, and take action to ensure they are prepared for any potential voting restrictions and make their voices heard by engaging with lawmakers, spreading awareness, and participating in civic activism.
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes
