The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voters in the November midterm elections, a measure Democrats argue could suppress voting and consolidate electoral influence for former President Donald Trump.
The SAVE America Act passed narrowly, 218-213, with only one Democrat joining Republicans. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it is unlikely to reach the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. The bill builds on election measures first introduced during Trump’s 2024 campaign, based on his false claims of widespread illegal voting, and mirrors earlier House-passed bills that stalled in the Senate.
The law would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections and impose criminal penalties on election officials who register voters without proper documentation. Republicans also added a photo ID requirement for in-person and mail-in voting, citing polls showing broad public support, including among Democrats.
House Speaker Mike Johnson described the measure as “common sense legislation to just ensure that American citizens decide American elections.” Democrats, however, argue the bill is a strategic effort to restrict voter access, particularly as analysts predict they are favored to regain House control. Representative Joe Morelle called it “part of a comprehensive Republican strategy to cement power this year,” citing recent Democratic special election wins as a motivating factor.
Voting by non-citizens is already illegal and extremely rare, according to independent groups and state election officials. Critics, including the Brennan Center for Justice, warn that the law could disenfranchise millions of citizens who lack easy access to passports, birth certificates, or other documentation.
The legislation is part of broader tensions between federal authorities and state governments, including disputes over funding, National Guard deployments, and federal interventions in local election offices.
Republicans are also preparing a second election bill, the Make Elections Great Again Act, which would mandate paper ballots, limit mail-in voting, and prohibit ranked-choice voting in federal elections. The bill is under review by the House Administration Committee.
