SAVE Act: Citizenship Proof for Voting

0:00On March 16, Utah Senator Mike Lee is pushing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility America Act or SAVE Act to the Senate floor next week. The bill requires proof of citizenship to register for federal elections and photo identification to vote. Republicans see it as a basic step to ensure only citizens' cast ballots. The measure already passed the House earlier this year on mostly party lines. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised to bring it up for debate, aiming to force every lawmaker to go on record. More than two dozen Republicans back, a plan to make opponents sustain a filibuster or risk a simple majority vote. Democrats strongly oppose it, with their leader Chuck Schumer calling it a major threat to voting access. Critics worry millions lack easy access to documents like birth certificates or passports. Republicans argue these checks are standard elsewhere and vital for election trust. President Donald Trump demands quick action, saying he will block other bills until it passes.

1:00A recent poll shows 71% of voters support citizenship proof for voting. Supporters hope a long debate builds more public pressure. This vote could define the fight over election security as midterms approach, sharpening focus on who prioritizes secure ballots.