The annual political standoff over government funding has begun, with Republicans demanding stricter voter registration requirements in exchange for continued operations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), backed by the House Freedom Caucus and former President Donald Trump, is proposing to attach a bill that would make it more difficult to register to vote in all 50 states to a must-pass government funding bill. The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act” (SAVE Act) would require new voters to submit documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.
While Johnson’s plan initially seemed unlikely to gain enough support, Trump’s intervention has increased its chances. The former president has demanded that Republicans refuse to fund the government unless the SAVE Act is included.
Despite claims of widespread noncitizen voting, there is no substantial evidence to support this assertion. State election officials routinely investigate and prosecute such attempts, and there are no documented instances of noncitizen voting influencing election outcomes.
The SAVE Act, however, could have a real impact on elections. Arizona, which has a similar law, has seen a slight decrease in voter registration among people of color and college students, both groups that tend to vote Democrat.
While the SAVE Act includes a provision for voters who cannot provide the required documentation to submit alternative evidence, the specific requirements and processes remain unclear. The bill’s immediate implementation could also disrupt election administration in the lead-up to future elections.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and President Joe Biden oppose the SAVE Act, making its passage uncertain. However, the threat of a government shutdown and the potential for future Republican legislative efforts to pass the bill remain a concern.