WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has joined Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) in introducing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which aims to enhance the integrity of U.S. elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and removing foreign nationals from voter rolls.
“Americans know that U.S. citizenship is sacred,” said Kennedy. “The SAVE Act would make sure that people who aren’t even citizens don’t cancel out Louisianians’ or other Americans’ voices at the ballot box. Foreign nationals shouldn’t vote in our elections any more than Americans should vote in French or Nigerian elections.”
Current Concerns
While federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, it does not mandate states to verify citizenship during the voter registration process. The SAVE Act seeks to address this gap.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of the legislation, citing the rise in illegal immigration since the 2020 presidential election as a growing concern. “It’s critical to ensure that every person voting in American elections has proven that he or she is a U.S. citizen,” Kennedy stated.
Key Provisions of the SAVE Act
The proposed legislation includes the following measures:
- Proof of Citizenship Requirement: Mandates that states require proof of citizenship, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport, when registering individuals to vote in federal elections.
- Voter Roll Maintenance: Requires states to establish a process to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls.
- Enhanced Penalties: Increases federal penalties for individuals who knowingly register non-citizens to vote in federal elections.
- Citizenship Verification Options: Outlines acceptable methods for individuals to prove U.S. citizenship and requires states to create processes for cases where individuals lack standard documentation.
Next Steps
The SAVE Act is positioned as a safeguard to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, ensuring that only eligible citizens can participate. The legislation reflects growing concerns about election security and the role of non-citizen participation in undermining voter confidence.
For more details, visit Senator Kennedy’s website.