House Passes SAVE Act Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Federal Voter Registration

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, a bill that would require individuals to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections. The legislation, approved by a narrow vote of 220 to 208 on April 10, 2025, has now been sent to the Senate for consideration.

The SAVE Act would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by mandating that all applicants for voter registration provide documents verifying their U.S. citizenship. The bill outlines specific forms of acceptable documentation, including:

• A REAL ID-compliant identification card indicating U.S. citizenship
• A valid U.S. passport
• A U.S. military ID paired with a military record showing U.S. birth
• A government-issued photo ID showing U.S. place of birth
• A government-issued photo ID along with one of the following:
  • Certified birth certificate
  • Hospital record of birth in the U.S.
  • Final adoption decree showing U.S. birth
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or certification thereof
  • Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship
  • American Indian Card with the classification “KIC”

Supporters of the legislation argue it is necessary to ensure election integrity by confirming that only U.S. citizens are able to vote in federal contests. The bill would also standardize requirements across states, obligating all voter registration processes—whether conducted online, in person, or by mail—to include this verification step.

Opponents of the measure contend that it could suppress voter turnout by adding hurdles for eligible citizens, especially those who may lack immediate access to official documents. Nevertheless, the bill now awaits deliberation in the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Should it pass there, it would represent a significant shift in how voter eligibility is verified nationwide.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the United States House of Representatives

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