Trump-backed SAVE Act aims to collect private voter information

A new bill backed by former President Donald Trump would require Americans to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote, a move that supporters say will safeguard elections but critics warn could disenfranchise millions. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, introduced in Congress, would mandate that states verify citizenship using documents such as a passport or birth certificate before adding someone to voter rolls. If passed, the law would mark the most significant federal expansion of voter ID requirements in decades. Proponents argue it is necessary to prevent noncitizens from voting, though such cases are already extremely rare. Opponents counter that the bill would create a new barrier for eligible voters, especially the elderly, low-income individuals, and minorities who may lack easy access to the required paperwork. The bill has little chance of passing the divided Congress, but it has become a rallying point for conservative activists ahead of the 2024 election. Several states have already enacted similar laws, and the SAVE Act would set a national standard. If enacted, it could affect how tens of millions of Americans register to vote, as many do not have a passport or birth certificate readily available. The debate reflects a broader partisan divide over election security versus access. While supporters insist the measure is about integrity, critics see it as a solution in search of a problem that could suppress turnout. The outcome remains uncertain, but the bill's introduction signals that voting rules will remain a central political issue.