Republicans Renew Efforts to Prohibit Noncitizen Voting in Federal Elections
FIRST ON FOX: Lawmakers from the Republican Party in both the House and Senate are amplifying their advocacy for a stringent approach to curtailing noncitizen voting in federal elections. They have reintroduced a bipartisan bill that previously received significant attention from the GOP last year.
The SAVE Act: Ensuring Voter Integrity
Representative Chip Roy from Texas and Senator Mike Lee from Utah are once again putting forward the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aimed explicitly at preventing noncitizens from participating in federal elections.
Concerns Over Enforcement
Despite the established principle that only citizens may vote in federal elections, Republican officials argue that enforcing this guideline is challenging. They cite instances where noncitizens and illegal immigrants can obtain driver’s licenses and other forms of identification in various states, which can inadvertently facilitate their registration to vote.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The SAVE Act mandates that states must acquire documentary proof of a person’s U.S. citizenship and identity in person during the voter registration process. Additionally, the legislation requires states to implement a program for removing noncitizens from voter rolls. Citizens would also be empowered to file lawsuits against officials who fail to comply with the bill’s stipulations.
Previous Legislative Journey
Last year, the bill successfully passed through the House of Representatives, with notable bipartisan support including five Democratic votes. However, the legislation found itself stalled in the Senate, where the Democrat-controlled Senate omitted it from a spending bill critical to avoiding a government shutdown. President Biden had indicated he would veto any attempts to integrate the SAVE Act into legislation.
A Renewed Call for Action
Growing concerns among Republicans regarding an influx of migrants to the U.S. during the Biden administration have heightened the perceived urgency of the SAVE Act. Recent announcements from various states have reported thousands of noncitizens registered on their voting rolls, further amplifying Republican calls for legislative action.
Republican Control Shifts Dynamics
With Republicans now holding the majority in the Senate and Donald Trump set to assume the presidency once again, the momentum appears to favor a renewed push for comprehensive legislation preventing noncitizen voting. Trump has openly endorsed measures aimed at fortifying voter eligibility and integrity.
Voices from Congress
Roy, who is working alongside Representative Andrew Garbarino from New York to reintroduce the bill in the House, emphasized the importance of citizen-only voting, saying, “American elections belong to American citizens, and the public’s confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic.” He reiterated the duty of Congress to provide mechanisms that assure the integrity of U.S. elections against foreign influence.
Senator Lee further emphasized the significance of public trust in election integrity. He stated, “A vast majority of our countrymen agree: only American citizens should be able to register and vote in American elections. The SAVE Act gives states the ability to prevent illegal voter registration and protect the ballot box from foreign election interference.”
Responses from Local Officials
Garbarino expressed disappointment regarding New York City’s allowance of noncitizen voting in local elections, arguing this undermines the principle that only American citizens should determine electoral outcomes. He stated, “The SAVE Act upholds the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, ensuring this fundamental right is reserved exclusively for American citizens.”
Support from Advocacy Groups
The SAVE Act enjoys backing from several advocacy organizations, including the Only Citizens Vote Coalition, Tea Party Patriots Action, and the Immigration Accountability Project. The bill currently has garnered support from 59 co-sponsors in the House. It was officially introduced in the lower chamber last Friday, with anticipation that it will also be presented in the Senate soon.
Looking Ahead: Immigration as a Priority
The introduction of the SAVE Act coincides with broader immigration-related issues expected to take precedence in Congress. Recently, the House successfully passed the Laken Riley Act. This legislation mandates federal immigration authorities detain illegal immigrants convicted of theft-related offenses and permits states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for damages incurred by illegal immigration.
