A new voting bill supported by Republicans could significantly complicate the voting process for millions of U.S. citizens. The proposed legislation, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, mandates documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. This requirement, if enacted, would affect numerous voters, as illustrated by the recent experience of Joshua Bogdan in New Hampshire.
Upon arriving to vote in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Bogdan, a lifelong U.S. resident, was informed that his driver’s license was no longer sufficient. Under the new proof-of-citizenship law, which will be in effect for the first time in local elections in 2025, he was required to present either a passport or a birth certificate due to a recent change of address. This unexpected demand turned what he anticipated to be an empowering experience into a stressful challenge. “I didn’t know that anything had officially changed walking in there,” Bogdan stated, expressing his frustration at the sudden shift.
Legislative Push and Implications
The SAVE America Act, which recently cleared the U.S. House on a largely party-line vote, aims to enhance election integrity, according to its proponents, including former President Donald Trump. The bill is scheduled for debate in the U.S. Senate shortly, and while its photo ID requirement has garnered attention, the documentary proof of citizenship mandate poses the most significant obstacle for voters. Noncitizens are already prohibited from voting in federal elections, and instances of such occurrences are extremely rare.
Critics of the bill, such as Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center, warn that the stringent documentation requirements may disenfranchise millions of eligible Americans. “If this bill passes, it would deny millions of eligible Americans their fundamental freedom to vote,” Caruthers noted. The legislation’s long list of qualifying documents includes various forms of identification, but many essential documents, such as standard driver’s licenses, may not meet the new criteria.
The implications of the SAVE Act could be severe. According to a 2025 study by the University of Maryland, approximately 21.3 million eligible voters lack the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship. This figure encompasses nearly 10% of Democrats, 7% of Republicans, and 14% of individuals not affiliated with the two major parties.
Challenges in Obtaining Required Documentation
For those affected, obtaining a passport or birth certificate may not be as straightforward as anticipated. While a passport is the most effective means of meeting the requirement, only about half of American adults possess one, according to the State Department. Furthermore, the passport must be current, and processing times can range from four to six weeks, excluding mailing time.
Birth certificates may offer a more accessible alternative; however, the SAVE Act specifies that only certified copies issued by state, local, or tribal governments are acceptable. Informal certificates provided by hospitals do not qualify. In some states, the backlogs for obtaining certified copies can be significant, with New York indicating a processing wait of up to four months.
Additionally, complications may arise for those whose names on their birth certificates do not match their current identification, particularly for married women who have changed their names. A survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that about 80% of women in heterosexual marriages in the U.S. take their husband’s last name, potentially complicating their voting eligibility under the new law.
As the SAVE Act progresses through Congress, critics are raising concerns about its lack of funding to assist states and local governments in implementing the changes. In New Hampshire, where Bogdan experienced difficulties at the polls, there was confusion among poll workers regarding the law’s requirements. He managed to vote only because he had recently retrieved his birth certificate from his parents’ home, underscoring the need for better communication and public awareness.
“Government notices to voters would help prevent possible disenfranchisement,” Bogdan remarked, emphasizing the importance of making eligible voters aware of the new requirements as election day approaches. The potential impact of the SAVE America Act could reshape the voting landscape, leaving many to navigate a complex and potentially exclusionary process.
