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NewsCBS News PoliticsMarch 11, 2026United States

What is the SAVE America Act?

The SAVE America Act is a proposed federal bill that would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship in person to register to vote in federal elections. It also introduces new photo ID requirements for casting ballots, a move supporters argue secures elections and opponents warn could disenfranchise eligible voters.

electionsvoting rightsimmigrationvoter registrationlegislation
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Why It Matters

If passed, this bill would change federal voter registration and ballot-casting requirements for all U.S. citizens, potentially requiring millions of voters to obtain and present specific government-issued documents like passports or birth certificates to participate in federal elections.

Key Facts

  • The bill amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to mandate proof of citizenship for federal voter registration.
  • Acceptable proof of citizenship includes passports, REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs with birth records, or government photo IDs accompanied by birth/naturalization certificates.
  • Individuals registering by mail must present proof of citizenship in person.
  • The bill requires states to establish programs to identify non-citizens on voter rolls using data from DHS, the Social Security Administration, and state agencies.
  • The legislation mandates that voters show photo ID to cast a ballot in person.
  • Absentee ballots must be accompanied by a copy of a photo ID; if the ID does not confirm citizenship, additional proof of citizenship is required.
  • States must create a process for individuals lacking standard proof of citizenship, involving a signed attestation under penalty of perjury and an affidavit from a state or local official.
  • Non-citizen voting in federal elections is currently illegal under the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act.
  • The bill faces a 60-vote threshold in the Senate, which leadership currently indicates is unlikely to be met.

Who's Mentioned

otherPresident TrumppersonNancy Landry“Louisiana Secretary of State.”otherBrad RaffenspergerotherCaliforniaorganizationSocial Security Administration“Federal agency involved in citizenship verification data.”otherMarylandotherJohn ThuneotherFrank LaRoseorganizationPew Research Center“t for policies like voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. A poll from ”otherMichiganpersonDavid Becker“Executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research.”otherCenter for Election Innovation and ResearchpersonJohn Thune“Senate Majority Leader currently resisting pressure to force a vote on the bill.”otherHouseotherCBS NewspersonEliza Sweren-Becker“Deputy director of the Brennan Center's Voting Rights and Elections Program.”otherDavid BeckerotherEliza Sweren-BeckerotherGeorgiaotherDistrict of ColumbiaotherDemocratsotherVermontotherSocial Security AdministrationotherSenate RepublicansotherOhioorganizationBrennan Center for Justice“said they intend to provide the information to the government, according to the ”personDonald Trump“President pushing for the passage of the SAVE America Act.”personBrad Raffensperger“Georgia Secretary of State.”otherOregonotherBrennan CenterotherDepartment of Homeland SecuritypersonChuck Schumer“Senate Minority Leader who opposes the bill.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency involved in citizenship verification data.”organizationBrennan Center for Justice“Research organization tracking voter roll data.”personFrank LaRose“Ohio Secretary of State.”otherWashingtonotherJustice Department