Summary
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act
This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections.
Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship, a valid U.S. passport, or a valid government-issued photo identification card that shows the applicant's place of birth was in the United States.
Further, the bill (1) requires states to accept and process a voter registration application in the event of a name discrepancy in the applicant's documentation, as long as the applicant provides additional documentation; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.
Within 30 days of the bill's enactment, each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Further, each state must submit its complete official list of eligible voters to the Department of Homeland Security for comparison with the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system, which is used to verify immigration status. Individuals who are identified as noncitizens must be given the opportunity to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.
The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses.
The bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid physical photo identification.
An individual who does not present the required identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.
Further, an election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters or individuals provided the right to vote other than in person under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.
State and local government officials must provide, to the extent practicable, public access to a digital imaging device for the purpose of allowing individuals to use the device at no cost to make a copy of their valid photo identification.
Related bills
Related
- H.Res. 1057Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1383) to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2189) to modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 261) to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3617) to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.119
- S. 4155A bill to require voters to provide photo identification as a condition of casting a ballot, and for other purposes.119
- H.R. 8206Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026119
Bill text versions
- IntroducedIntroduced in SenatePDF
- IntroducedIntroduced in SenateXML
- IntroducedIntroduced in SenateHTML
- ReportedReported to SenatePDF
- ReportedReported to SenateXML
- ReportedReported to SenateHTML
- AmendedEngrossed Amendment HousePDF
- AmendedEngrossed Amendment HouseXML
- AmendedEngrossed Amendment HouseHTML
- EngrossedEngrossed in SenatePDF
- EngrossedEngrossed in SenateXML
- EngrossedEngrossed in SenateHTML
Legislative Journey
- Introduced
- Committee
- Floor
- Passed Chamber 1
- Passed Chamber 2
- Signed
Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1647)
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1589)
SenateMotion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration the House message to accompany S. 1383 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 4772) made in Senate. (CR S1569-1570)
SenateMotion to table motion to refer to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration the House message to accompany S. 1383 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 4422) agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 47. Record Vote Number: 68.
SenateMotion to table the motion to suspend the operation of Rule XXV paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 47. Record Vote Number: 67.
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1561)
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1495)
SenateCloture on the motion to suspend the operation of Rule XXV, paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 49. Record Vote Number: 61. (CR S1466)
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1461)
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1419)
SenateCloture motion on the motion to suspend the operation of Rule XXV, paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 presented in Senate. (CR S1348)
SenateMotion by Senator Schumer to suspend the operation of Rule XXV paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 made in Senate.
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1314)
SenateConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1159)
SenateMotion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration the House message to accompany S. 1383 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 4422) made in Senate. (CR S1067)
SenateMotion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1383 with an amendment (SA 4420) made in Senate. (CR S1067)
SenateMotion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1383 made in Senate. (CR S1067)
SenateMeasure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1066-1088)
SenateMotion to proceed to consideration of the House message to accompany S. 1383 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 48. Record Vote Number: 57.
SenateMessage on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 213 (Roll no. 69). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2138-2141)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 213 (Roll no. 69).
On motion to commit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 217 (Roll no. 68).
HouseConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2171-2172)
HousePOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on S. 1383, the Chair put the question on the motion to commit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Morelle demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
HouseThe previous question on the motion to commit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
HouseMr. Morelle moved to commit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H2149)
HouseThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 1383.
HouseRule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
HouseConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1057. (consideration: CR H2138-2149)
HouseRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
HouseHeld at the desk.
HouseReceived in the House.
HouseMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
SenatePassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8894-8895; text: CR S8894-8895)
SenatePassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 276.
SenateCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
SenateCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
SenateCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-86.
SenateRead twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
SenateIntroduced in Senate