Quick Hit:

On Thursday, the House passed legislation mandating that anyone registering to vote provide documentation proving their U.S. citizenship. Backed by President Trump and House Republicans, the bill aims to safeguard elections by preventing noncitizen registration.

Key Details:

• Known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, the bill would require all new voter registration applicants to show proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport.

• The bill would also apply to currently registered voters who change their name, move, or update their registration, requiring them to verify their citizenship at that time.

• States would be required to reject voter applications lacking documentation, and in-person proof would be mandatory for those submitting federal registration forms by mail.

Diving Deeper:

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the SAVE Act, a GOP-led initiative requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for all new voter registration applications. The bill was introduced by Texas Rep. Chip Roy and is a top priority for House Republicans and President Donald Trump.

Under the legislation, states would be barred from accepting registration forms unless accompanied by acceptable proof of citizenship. This includes a government-issued photo ID that lists a U.S. birthplace or an ID presented with a certified birth certificate. Most state-issued driver’s licenses do not list place of birth and therefore would not qualify alone.

The bill also directs states to develop procedures to accommodate individuals whose documents may not align, such as women whose birth certificates reflect their maiden name. Roy noted that states would have the flexibility to accept supplemental documents like marriage certificates to confirm identity and citizenship.

Democrats criticized the legislation, arguing it could result in inconsistent rules across states and burden Americans without easy access to their birth records or passports. Opponents also warned it could affect rural residents who must travel long distances to present documents in person and those who register through online or automatic systems tied to their state’s motor vehicle agency.

The legislation would require same-day registrants in states that allow it to present proof of citizenship at their polling place before voting. States would also have to accommodate voters with disabilities, as outlined in the bill, through guidance from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Republicans argue the bill is a necessary step to ensure confidence in American elections and prevent any unlawful voting. The SAVE Act now moves to the Senate, where Democrats are expected to block it unless Republicans can gain enough support to overcome a filibuster.