Congress is advancing the Safe American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a controversial bill that could significantly change how millions of Americans register to vote. The legislation would require documentary proof of citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—each time a person registers or re-registers to vote.

Supporters, including House Republicans, argue the measure is necessary to prevent noncitizen voting. But voting rights advocates warn it is a solution in search of a problem. Studies show noncitizen voting is nearly nonexistent—a Georgia audit, for example, found just 20 noncitizens among 8.4 million registered voters.

Critics argue the bill could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly Black voters, married women, and rural residents who may not have the required documentation readily available.

With the bill likely to pass, the debate remains: Will it protect election integrity, or will it create new barriers for legitimate voters?

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