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Congress·Passed House·11 months ago

House Passes the SAVE Act, Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote

Also known as: SAVE Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House

220–208

Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill requires anyone registering to vote in federal elections to show physical proof that they are a U.S. citizen. While most states currently allow people to sign a statement swearing they are citizens, this law would require specific documents like a passport, a birth certificate, or a REAL ID that confirms citizenship status.
  • States would be prohibited from processing voter registration applications from the DMV, through the mail, or at government agencies unless the applicant provides the required proof. People who register by mail may be required to visit an election office in person to show their documents before they are officially registered.
  • The policy requires federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, to share their records with state election officials. If a state asks for help checking a person's citizenship, the federal government must provide that information within 24 hours without charging a fee.
  • Election officials could face criminal penalties or private lawsuits if they register an individual who has not provided the necessary proof of citizenship. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security would be required to investigate any non-citizens found on voter rolls to determine if they should be removed from the country.
  • For citizens who do not have the standard documents, states must create a backup process. This would allow an applicant to submit other evidence and sign a sworn statement, but a local election official would have to sign a formal affidavit explaining exactly why they approved the registration.
Civil RightsImmigrationCriminal Justice

Milestones

3 milestones18 actions
Apr 10, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate.

Apr 10, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Apr 10, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102). (text: CR H1569-1571)

Apr 10, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102).

Apr 10, 2025House

On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101).

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Election Assistance Commission issues guidance to all states on new citizenship documentation requirements

Within 10 days of the bill becoming law, states would receive instructions on how to implement the new voter registration rules, including what documents to accept and how to handle applicants who lack standard proof.

States must establish programs to identify and remove noncitizens from voter rolls

Within 30 days of enactment, every state would need to have a system in place using federal databases to check whether registered voters are actually U.S. citizens, and remove those who are not.

New documentation requirements apply to all voter registration applications going forward

Anyone registering to vote in a federal election after the law takes effect would need to show physical proof of citizenship — such as a passport, REAL ID, or birth certificate — or go through a special alternative process.

Vote Results

2 votes
HouseFailedAmendmentApr 10, 2025

On Motion to Recommit

211
215
Democrat
211 – 0 · 2
Republican
0 – 215 · 5
View full roll call
HousePassedPassageApr 10, 2025

On Passage

220
208
Democrat
4 – 208 · 1
Republican
216 – 0 · 4
View full roll call

Related News

2 articles
Fox Business·11 days ago

Thune vows SAVE Act bill will get Senate vote despite Democrat pushback

Senate Majority Leader John Thune committed to bringing the SAVE Act to a vote, emphasizing the GOP's push for election integrity. The bill mandates that states collect physical proof of citizenship from all new voter registrants and requires photo identification at the polls.

CR+
The Racquet Press·6 days ago

The SAVE Act explained: what it is and how it affects you

The SAVE Act aims to require birth certificates, naturalization certificates, or passports for federal voter registration. The bill would also impact college students, who may need to register in person at government offices if they lack physical documents on campus.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

SAVE Act

Bill NumberHR 22
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(110)
R: 110

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.