The LWVUS is preparing for the possible passage of the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) in the Senate—it has already passed the House. While we hope it fails, we must be ready if it becomes law. To support a legal challenge, LWVUS is collecting stories from people who this legislation would harm.
What the SAVE Act Claims:
· It claims to prevent non-citizens from voting.
The Truth:
· Non-citizens voting in federal and state elections is already illegal—and extremely rare.
· The SAVE Act will suppress the vote, especially for women, seniors, students, people with disabilities, immigrants, and low-income voters.
Key Provisions of the SAVE Act:
In-Person Registration with Proof of Citizenship
The SAVE Act mandates that individuals must register to vote in person and present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include:
§ A valid U.S. passport
§ A certified birth certificate.
§ Naturalization or citizenship papers
Standard driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and REAL IDs are not sufficient, as they do not verify citizenship status.
Elimination of Remote Registration Methods
The Act would effectively eliminate voter registration via mail, online platforms, and third-party registration drives, such as LWV voter registration tables. All registrations would require in-person submission with the necessary documentation.
How the SAVE Act Affects You:
Are you registering for the first time? Are you updating your voter registration information due to a move or name change? Have you moved to a new state where you will need to register to vote?
The SAVE Act would require in-person registration and proof of citizenship. Acceptable documents must explicitly prove citizenship – a valid US passport, a certified birth certificate, naturalization or citizenship papers.
Driver’s licenses and Social Security cards would no longer be valid.
Your name must match exactly the proof of citizenship document you use, including a birth certificate. There are no exceptions for name change due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or transition.
You must appear in person at an election office—no more registering by mail, online, or at the DMV or community events.
If you live in a rural area, are elderly, or are disabled, or move frequently due to military status or enrollment in higher education, this may mean long travel times and serious barriers to registering or updating your voter status.
We need your help!
We are collecting information about how this proposed law would affect Rhode Islanders who need to register to vote before 2026 midterm elections, including first time voters, married women who have changed their name, active duty service members and families who moved to RI, college graduates who are located in RI, workers who have moved to RI for employment and anyone else who needs to change their voter registration for whatever reason in order to vote in the 2026 midterm elections.
If you live in Rhode Island and would be affected by this law, please take a moment to complete this brief survey:
We encourage you to share this survey with anyone else you know who may be impacted by this proposed legislation.
Your voice can help us fight this voter suppression effort.
Thank you,
League of Women Voters of Rhode Island
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is a Trick | League of Women Voters March 25, 2025
Useful Links
How to prove your US Citizenship?
Where to Write for Vital Records (birth and marriage certificates) - RI Center for Vital Records
How to change your name and what government agencies to notify
Gender Change Documents - Rhode Island Name/Gender Change
