SAVE Act

This bill would require people to show documents that prove U.S. citizenship when they register to vote in federal elections. States may not accept or process a voter registration without this proof. This applies whether you register at the DMV or by mail; states must verify citizenship, tell applicants about the rule, and make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities .

States must keep voter lists limited to U.S. citizens. Within 30 days of the law taking effect, each state must set up an ongoing program to check citizenship using sources like the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE system and the Social Security Administration, and remove noncitizens when documentation or verified information shows someone is not a citizen . Federal agencies must share needed information with election officials within 24 hours of a request, and DHS must tell states when someone becomes a U.S. citizen . The bill also lets people sue if an election official registers someone who didn’t show proof, and adds criminal penalties for certain acts, including registering someone without proof. It does not change the right to cast a provisional ballot; a provisional ballot can still be counted if citizenship is later verified. If this becomes law, it takes effect right away, and the federal election agency must send states guidance within 10 days.

• Who is affected: People registering to vote in federal elections; state and local election offices (including DMVs and voter registration agencies); federal agencies that share data with election officials .
• What changes: You must show proof of U.S. citizenship to register; mail-in registrants must present proof in person by the deadline or at the polls; states must check lists and remove noncitizens; there are penalties and a right to sue if officials register someone without proof; provisional ballots remain available if citizenship is confirmed .
• When: Effective on enactment; federal guidance to states within 10 days; states must launch their citizenship-check program within 30 days .