The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes significant changes to voter registration processes nationwide. If enacted, this legislation would require individuals to present specific forms of documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration. This requirement would effectively eliminate online, mail-in, and third-party voter registration methods that many voters currently rely upon.​

Potential Impact on Harnett County Voters

In Harnett County, where approximately 86,000 residents are registered voters, the SAVE Act could introduce substantial barriers to voter participation. Rural communities like ours often face challenges such as limited access to government offices, making in-person registration more burdensome. Additionally, many residents may not possess the required documents readily, and obtaining them can be time-consuming and costly.​

Groups that could be disproportionately affected include:​

  • Married women whose legal names differ from those on their birth certificates.​
  • Low-income individuals who may lack the necessary documentation or resources to obtain them.​
  • Military personnel and overseas voters who rely on mail-in registration and voting.​
  • Elderly and disabled voters who may face mobility challenges.​

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, over 21 million U.S. citizens do not have immediate access to the documents required by the SAVE Act. ​

Concerns Raised by Election Officials

Election administrators have expressed concerns that the SAVE Act would impose unfunded mandates, increasing the administrative burden without providing additional resources. Veronica Degraffenreid, a former North Carolina election official, highlighted that the bill could lead to operational challenges and potential legal risks for election workers. ​

What You Can Do

Staying informed and engaged is crucial. Residents are encouraged to:​

  • Monitor legislative developments related to voting rights.​
  • Reach out to elected representatives to express concerns or support.​
  • Assist community members in understanding and navigating any new voting requirements.​

Engaging in local discussions and staying proactive ensures that all eligible voters in Harnett County can exercise their rights without undue barriers.

 

Additional Resources:

Common Causes: The SAVE Act: Five Things to Know
You Can Vote: Tell Congress to Reject the SAVE Act
Bipartisan Policy Center: Five Things to Know About the SAVE Act

 

What documents would be required to register?

The SAVE Act compels states to reject any voter registration application in which the applicant has not presented “documentary proof of United States citizenship.”

Among the acceptable documents for demonstrating proof of citizenship are:

— A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license that “indicates the applicant is a citizen.”

— A valid U.S. passport.

— A military ID card with a military record of service that lists the applicant’s birthplace as in the U.S.

— A valid government-issued photo ID that shows the applicant’s birthplace was in the U.S.

— A valid government-issued photo ID presented with a document such as a certified birth certificate that shows the birthplace was in the U.S.