House Narrowly Passes SAVE Act Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, advanced in the House of Representatives in April 2025. The bill’s progress has prompted procedural opposition in the Senate and debate over its potential effects on voter registration processes.

Under the SAVE Act, applicants for federal election registration would need to present documents such as a passport, enhanced driver’s license, military identification, or birth certificate. The legislation also includes provisions for states to share voter information with the Department of Homeland Security.

The House approved the measure by a narrow margin, with 218 members in favor and 213 opposed. Representative Henry Cuellar was the only Democrat to support the bill, stating it would reinforce the principle that only citizens participate in American elections.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Senate Democrats would oppose the SAVE Act and prevent its passage in the Senate. Schumer also stated objections to the proposed involvement of the Department of Homeland Security in election administration and expressed opposition to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at polling places.

What the numbers show

• The House vote on the SAVE Act was 218-213
• A Gallup poll found 83% of Americans support proof of citizenship for first-time registrants
• The Brennan Center estimates about 21 million voting-age citizens lack ready access to proof-of-citizenship documents

Nonpartisan organizations have stated that the bill could prevent millions of eligible voters from registering, particularly those who do not have immediate access to required documents. These groups have also stated concerns about privacy related to the sharing of voter data with federal agencies.

According to the Brennan Center, approximately 9% of U.S. citizens of voting age, or about 21 million people, do not have the necessary documentation readily available to prove their citizenship. This figure has been cited in discussions about the bill’s possible effects on voter participation.

Polling data indicates broad public support for voter identification requirements. For example, a Gallup survey found that 83% of respondents favored requiring proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote for the first time.

Industry reaction

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Senate Democrats will block the SAVE Act and described the bill as likely to disenfranchise millions, including married women who have changed their names. Schumer also stated his opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed role in election oversight.

Nonpartisan groups have stated that the SAVE Act could result in disenfranchisement for individuals without ready access to citizenship documents and have raised concerns about privacy related to federal data sharing requirements.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.