The SAVE Act has been resurrected again and it’s even more awful than the last two times Republicans tried to pass it.
Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) has been both a Patron and Co-Sponsor of previous versions of this bill. In 2026 he’s opted out due to how unpopular this has been in the past and the impact that could have on his re-election. Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2] have all signed on a co-sponsors.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 7296) is a recycled legislative proposal aiming to require proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a passport, birth certificate, or 4-5 naturalization documents—for voter registration in federal elections. Supporters advocate it to ensure election integrity, while critics argue it could disenfranchise millions lacking immediate document access.
Key details regarding the proposed legislation leading into 2026 include:
- Purpose: The bill amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require documentary proof of citizenship, rather than just an oath.
- Implementation: It mandates that states establish programs to identify and remove noncitizens from voter rolls.
- Impact: Opponents argue it could impact over 140 million citizens without passports, particularly those with name changes or limited access to birth certificates.
- Status: As of early 2026, congressional Republicans are pushing the legislation, including related proposals like the “SAVE America Act” and “Make Elections Great Again Act,” ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- Potential Penalties: The bill includes provisions that could subject election officials to legal risks if they register applicants without proper documentation.
Here are some links to recent articles that do a good job of covering the impacts:
Trump backs the SAVE America Act: Here’s what’s actually in it
Republican senator rebukes Trump-backed SAVE Act: “Federal overreach”
How this Trump-backed bill could impact 21 million voters ahead of midterms
New SAVE Act Bills Would Still Block Millions of Americans From Voting
This terrible bill and wildly unpopular in 2025 and failed to pass the Senate, but they are giving it another shot at the direction of President Trump to try to disenfranchise voters in advance of the 2026 midterm elections.
Take Action
- Call Congressman Rob Wittman (R-01) and tell him the SAVE Act would hurt voters and VA State Election officials
Learn More
- American Progress | The SAVE Act Would Disenfranchise Millions of Citizens
- Non Profit Vote.org | Tell Congress to Reject the SAVE Act
- American Progress | The SAVE Act Would Force Many Rural Americans To Drive Hours To Register To Vote
- Brennan Center for Justice | House Bill Would Hurt American Voters
- Brennan Center for Justice | SAVE Act Would Undermine Voter Registration for All Americans
- Campaign Legal.org | What You Need to Know About the SAVE Act
- Ace-USA.org | An Impartial Look At The SAVE Act And Voter Eligibility Debate
- Institute for Responsive Government | The SAVE Act: How a Proof of Citizenship Requirement Would Impact Elections
- Bipartisan Policy Center | Five Things to Know About the SAVE Act
