The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, also known as the SAVE America Act, is a legislative proposal supported by the Trump administration that seeks to collect personal voter information and consolidate state voter data into federal oversight. This effort includes requirements for voter identification and proof of citizenship for voter registration.
The bill mandates that states obtain private information from sources such as the Social Security Administration and state identification records to verify citizenship status, aiming to address concerns about non-citizen voters. Following its passage in the House, President Trump has emphasized the importance of the bill being approved by the Senate, linking it to his willingness to sign other legislation, including a bipartisan housing bill.
Opposition to the SAVE Act has emerged from voting rights groups and former government officials, who argue that the consolidation of election power at the federal level contradicts the Constitution's intent for states to manage elections. Trump has stated that opposition to the bill is indicative of attempts to facilitate cheating in elections.
The concept of a national voter registry is not new, with examples like Canada maintaining an eligible voter database since 1997. However, the U.S. currently lacks such a registry, relying instead on state-managed systems. The Department of Justice has requested voter registration lists from states, which has led to legal challenges from multiple states over privacy concerns.
Previous attempts by the Trump administration to gather voter data have faced legal setbacks, with courts blocking or limiting executive orders related to election reform. Legal experts suggest that while the SAVE Act could potentially address some constitutional issues associated with executive actions, it raises concerns about the power it grants the administration in determining voter eligibility.
The Campaign Legal Center has noted that similar efforts in states have historically resulted in wrongful disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly naturalized citizens. The implications of the SAVE Act could significantly alter the structure of American elections if enacted.