SAVE America Act

Key Points

• Anyone registering to vote in federal elections must now show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship — such as a passport, REAL ID, birth certificate with photo ID, or naturalization certificate. States cannot accept registration forms without this proof.
• Voters casting ballots in person must show a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID). Those voting by mail must include a copy of their photo ID or provide the last four digits of their Social Security number plus a sworn statement that they cannot obtain a photo ID.
• States must check their entire voter rolls against the federal SAVE immigration database to identify and remove non-citizens. States can also use DMV records and Social Security data to verify citizenship status.
• Citizens who lack the required documents can sign a sworn statement under penalty of perjury and provide other evidence to an election official, who then decides whether they've sufficiently proven citizenship. Voters without photo ID can cast a provisional ballot and have 3 days to present ID.
• Executive branch employees face criminal penalties for helping a non-citizen register or vote. Election officials who register someone without citizenship proof can be sued through a private right of action and face criminal charges.
• Active-duty military and uniformed services members voting from overseas are exempted from both the citizenship documentation and photo ID requirements.

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