New Voting Bill Could Impose Strict Citizenship Requirements, Raising Concerns About Disenfranchisement

Columbus, Ohio – A Republican-backed bill moving through Congress, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, could significantly alter voting access by requiring documentary proof of citizenship for federal elections. The legislation, which passed the U.S. House in March 2026, is sparking debate over election integrity versus potential voter disenfranchisement.

What the SAVE America Act Would Do

Currently, federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting, and states already have measures in place to prevent it. However, the SAVE Act aims to strengthen these safeguards by mandating that voters provide documentation proving their U.S. Citizenship when registering. This requirement would apply immediately if the bill is signed into law by President Trump, impacting the upcoming midterm elections.

While the bill also includes a provision requiring photo ID, the documentary proof of citizenship component is expected to have the most far-reaching consequences.

Challenges in Proving Citizenship

Obtaining the necessary documentation may prove difficult for many eligible voters. A similar effort in Kansas a decade ago faced legal challenges and ultimately prevented over 30,000 eligible citizens from registering.

The list of acceptable documents under the SAVE Act includes:

• A passport (current only)
• A birth certificate (certified by a state, local government, or tribal government)
• Military ID cards (accompanied by a military record of service verifying U.S. Birthplace)
• REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses (only those explicitly indicating U.S. Citizenship – currently available in only five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)

However, several caveats exist. Standard driver’s licenses generally do not indicate citizenship. Military ID cards require accompanying documentation that is not currently standard issue. Hospital-issued birth certificates are not expected to be accepted.

Potential Impact on Voter Turnout

A 2025 University of Maryland study estimated that 21.3 million eligible American voters may not have easy access to the required documentation, including nearly 10% of Democrats, 7% of Republicans, and 14% of unaffiliated voters.

Obtaining a passport can be time-consuming and costly, taking four to six weeks, and costing at least $165 for adults. Birth certificates can also accept weeks to obtain, with some states experiencing significant backlogs. New York currently has a four-month waiting period for certified copies.

Individuals who have changed their names (such as women who have taken their husband’s last name) may also demand to provide additional documentation.

Concerns from Voting Rights Advocates

Rebekah Caruthers, president and CEO of the Fair Elections Center, argues that the legislation could move the U.S. “in the opposite direction” of representative democracy, potentially denying millions of eligible Americans their right to vote. She stated that the bill could disproportionately affect women, people of color, and voters in rural areas.

New Hampshire Experience Highlights Potential Issues

Joshua Bogdan, a New Hampshire resident, recently experienced firsthand the challenges of new proof-of-citizenship requirements. After moving, he was told his driver’s license was insufficient and he needed a passport or birth certificate to register. He was only able to vote because he had recently retrieved his birth certificate while applying for a REAL ID.

Bogdan noted that younger voters may not routinely carry these documents, potentially creating barriers to participation. He suggested that government notices to voters could help prevent disenfranchisement.

No Funding for Implementation

Notably, the SAVE Act does not allocate funding to help states and local governments implement the changes or educate voters about the new requirements.