(SAVE) Act - Bill Requiring Proof of Citizenship to vote.
In this episode, we briefly discuss the new law requiring proof of citizenship to vote federally.
It is common knowledge that one must be a U.S. citizen to vote. Possible criminal charges, removal from the United States and the inability to become a naturalized citizen are on the list of probable repercussions of violating this mandate. In spite of this, it is extremely easy to register to vote in most states, additionally, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 did not require confirmation of citizenship status when registering. In Indiana, it’s a question, largely without any notice or explanation, upon applying for a drivers’ license. The argument has been, that you are attesting you are eligible to vote by saying yes to being registered, under a penalty of perjury. You can evaluate how this meshes with the new signing pads at local motor vehicle offices where you are not able to read what you’re signing. The fact is, most people, but especially those who cannot read English, or English is a second language will not ask for a written copy of what they are supposed to be signing.
Federally, a bill has been introduced aimed at authenticating citizenship before casting a federal ballot. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) Act, would require proof of citizenship before casting a ballot as well as require states to check their voter rolls for registered non-citizens.. This bill passed the House but is unlikely to pass the Democrat controlled Senate. Pres. Biden has stated he will certainly veto, if it makes it to his desk. It is argued the burden of providing citizenship proof is unduly burdensome. It is interesting to note, many states and local governments have adopted rules that allow citizens without citizenship to participate in local elections, these include; Oakland; Takoma Park, Maryland; and Burlington, Vermont. As election season gets closer, we are likely to hear more on these types of topics.