Documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) supporters are making every effort to impose requirements for voters to prove their citizenship when they register to vote through any possible channel. This includes a petition to the Election Assistance Commission, outside influence from state officials to members of Congress, and state legislative efforts when legislative sessions begin in January. The League will not stand idly by, and we need your help to stop these unnecessary requirements.
Additionally, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act has passed the House and could get a vote in the Senate at any time. This bill would require citizenship documentation to register to vote despite the fact that voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering.
It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. Additionally, we have processes to ensure our elections are secure and that only eligible voters are casting ballots. State election officials have systems to verify an individual voter’s eligibility and ensure voter rolls are accurate.
Legislation like the SAVE Act is another in a long list of tactics, like strict voter photo ID requirements and limitations on voter assistance in languages other than English, which seek to make it more difficult for voters of color and naturalized citizens to vote. Americans do not need MORE obstacles to vote.
Congress must act to ensure that every eligible US citizen has the freedom to vote unimpeded by discriminatory rules rooted in fear and division.