Proposed Election Legislation Sparks Concerns Over Voting Access and Election Integrity
Following the 2024 election cycle, the Trump administration’s decision to reduce funding and resources for election security has left the United States’ voting systems more exposed. In this context, election officials are now anxiously awaiting the Congressional vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, which they warn could compromise the process for thousands of election administrators across the country.
The SAVE Act, if enacted, would necessitate American citizens to provide documentation such as a birth certificate or passport when registering to vote. This requirement could potentially disenfranchise up to 21 million citizens who lack easy access to these documents. The proposed legislation would also disrupt existing registration methods, like online and mail registration, without offering federal funding or guidance to implement the changes.
Critics argue that the SAVE Act imposes undue pressure on election officials by threatening criminal penalties for any errors made during the registration process. These challenges are highlighted in a letter by around 60 election officials, who stated, “The SAVE Act places an unfunded, unworkable, and legally risky burden on election administrators without offering the necessary resources or implementation support.”
Implications for Election Officials and Voter Access
The legislation would place the onus on states to develop processes for citizens without proof of citizenship and burden local administrators with deciding if an applicant’s documentation is sufficient. This could deter officials from registering eligible voters due to fear of legal repercussions, especially in cases where documentation does not exactly match official records, affecting groups like married women who have changed their names.
Similar voter ID measures have proven problematic in states like New Hampshire, where mismatches in documentation led to delays and confusion. With the SAVE Act’s stricter requirements, these issues could become widespread nationwide, further complicating the role of election officials, whose primary responsibility is to facilitate voter access.
Election Administration Under Strain
Increased pressure from the SAVE Act could exacerbate the trend of election officials leaving their roles, a trend that has been growing since the 2020 election due to increasing threats and harassment. Additionally, the Act would require officials to create new administrative processes without additional support, potentially impacting their ability to manage elections effectively.
Furthermore, the Act could necessitate separate procedures for federal versus state elections in states without similar state-level requirements, creating a complex and confusing system. The requirement for data-matching and voter roll purges without adequate safeguards could lead to eligible voters being mistakenly removed from registration lists.
While the SAVE Act aims to secure elections, critics argue that it would more likely exclude eligible voters rather than enhance electoral security. Existing measures already safeguard against ineligible voting, rendering the proposed legislation unnecessary and burdensome.
