This week we’re talking about elections and voting rights because a lot is swirling right now.

We focused mainly on the proposed SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), which would require proof of citizenship at registration and when voting, including for mail-in ballots. It would also take effect immediately.

That “immediately” part matters.

States would need to create systems to process documentation, verify identity, and protect sensitive information — all while running elections. Election workers could even face personal liability if procedures aren’t followed exactly right. That’s not a small administrative tweak. That’s a major overhaul midstream.

And here’s the bigger question: what problem are we solving?

Actual voter fraud is extraordinarily rare. Decades of data show minuscule numbers of fraudulent votes, nowhere near enough to alter outcomes. So when new requirements make voting more expensive, more complicated, or more time-consuming, the burden falls hardest on people without easy access to documents, time off work, or extra funds.

Security matters. Access matters too.

If your vote truly didn’t matter, there wouldn’t be so much effort spent trying to limit it.

So what can you do?

✔️ Check your voter registration.✔️ Look at FiveCalls.org for current issues to weigh in on.✔️ Pay attention to town halls while members of Congress are home.✔️ Stay informed — calmly and factually.

And yes, we also shared some joy this week: a birthday dinner with carrot cake and a small, hilarious live theater performance with Rotary friends. Community and civic engagement aren’t opposites. They fuel each other.

🎧 If you’d like the full conversation, including our breakdown of Real ID, proof of citizenship, and what the Constitution says about poll taxes, listen to this week’s episode.

Thanks for thinking with us.

p.s. here’s the pic of Tucci participating in our podcast recording session:

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