Save Act and Voter ID
Segment #404
Polling consistently shows strong support among Americans for voter ID laws. According to Gallup, 84% of U.S. adults favor requiring photo identification to vote, with bipartisan backing: 97% of Republicans, 84% of independents, and 53% of Democrats support such measures48. Similarly, a Monmouth University survey found that 80% of Americans support photo ID requirements at polling sites, including 91% of Republicans, 87% of independents, and 62% of Democrats10.
Support for voter ID laws has remained stable over time. For example, Gallup reported similar levels of support in 2016 and 2024, indicating that the issue transcends significant shifts in public opinion46. However, partisan divides have widened, with Democrats showing slightly reduced support compared to earlier years6.
What do the Voices of the Democrat Party Have to Say
Status of Legislation on Voter ID
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is a controversial bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, with a narrow vote of 220-208. Sponsored by Representative Chip Roy (R-TX), the legislation aims to mandate in-person proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. This includes presenting documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The bill also seeks to eliminate online and mail-in registration options and requires states to remove undocumented immigrants from voter rolls169.
Key Provisions of the SAVE Act:
Proof of Citizenship Requirement: Individuals must present documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship in person when registering to vote or updating voter registration16.
Elimination of Remote Registration: Online, mail-in, and voter registration drives would no longer be permitted under the bill510.
Removal of Noncitizens from Voter Rolls: States are required to establish programs to identify and remove undocumented immigrants from voter lists67.
Arguments For the SAVE Act:
Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to prevent noncitizens from voting, despite evidence showing that illegal voting by noncitizens is extremely rare17.
Supporters claim it will enhance electoral integrity by ensuring only eligible citizens participate in elections67.
Criticisms and Concerns:
Disenfranchisement: Critics warn that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly marginalized groups such as low-income individuals, people of color, Native Americans, and elderly voters who may lack access to required documentation1310.
Impact on Married Women: An estimated 69 million married women whose legal names differ from their birth certificates could face challenges meeting the documentation requirements28.
Administrative Burden: The legislation would place additional demands on election workers and complicate voter registration processes810.
Constitutional Concerns: Experts argue that Congress lacks the authority to set voter eligibility requirements for federal elections, as this power is reserved for states under constitutional precedent3.
Political Context:
The SAVE Act has sparked significant debate along partisan lines. All Republicans supported the bill, while four Democrats joined them: Jared Golden (ME), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Henry Cuellar (TX), and Ed Case (HI)16. The legislation faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster18. If enacted, it would represent a major shift in federal election laws.
In summary, while proponents view the SAVE Act as a safeguard for electoral integrity, critics argue it addresses a negligible issue while potentially disenfranchising millions of Americans and undermining democratic participation.