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• Lack of Readily Available Documentation: Research by the Brennan Center for Justice indicates that over 21 million U.S. citizens of voting age do not have proof of citizenship readily accessible. Reasons include documents being stored elsewhere or lost, destroyed, or stolen. Notably, at least 3.8 million citizens lack these documents entirely.
• Impact on Married Women: The SAVE Act requires documentation such as a birth certificate or passport for voter registration. However, it does not account for name changes due to marriage. This oversight could disproportionately affect married women whose legal names differ from their birth certificates, potentially hindering their ability to register.
• Disenfranchisement of Vulnerable Populations: The requirement for documented proof of citizenship may disproportionately impact voters of color and younger voters, who are less likely to possess such documentation. This could lead to significant barriers in the voter registration process for these groups.

Potential Consequences

Implementing the SAVE Act’s requirements could lead to widespread disenfranchisement, particularly among populations already facing challenges in accessing necessary documentation. Without provisions for those unable to provide standard proof of citizenship, many eligible voters may find themselves excluded from the democratic process.

In conclusion, while the SAVE Act aims to protect electoral integrity, it is crucial to consider and address the potential obstacles it may create for eligible voters lacking immediate access to citizenship documentation. Ensuring that all citizens can exercise their right to vote is fundamental to a functioning democracy.

Source:
Henry, C., & Morris, K. (2024, June 11). Millions of Americans don’t have documents proving their citizenship readily available.