LWV Opposes the SAVE Act

Under current US law, it is illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. Additionally, we have robust processes to ensure that only eligible voters are casting ballots. However, Congress is about to vote on a bill that requires all eligible voters to provide citizenship documentation to register to vote. Read the Five Things to Know About the SAVE America Act from the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Under this law, every single American citizen would have to show very specific documents, like a passport or an original birth certificate, in person when registering to vote and anytime they update their voter registration. 

SAVE ACTs BACKGROUND INFORMATION

What you Need to Know about the SAVE Acts - LWVUS Update from March 19, 2026

Secretary Simon Statement Ahead of Congressional Vote on the SAVE America Act - February 11, 2026

Breaking it Down: How would the bill impact counties (National Association of Counties (NACO))

NACO Letter to Congressional Leaders on the SAVE Act - February 10, 2026

The Threat to Voting by the SAVE Act and President's Executive Order - Clean Elections MN Conversation with MN Secretary of State Simon & ACLU National Political Advocacy Director, Deirdre Schifeling

The US House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act on April 10, 2025 (LWVUS Response), which, if passed by the US Senate, would require citizenship documentation to register to vote in federal elections. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon released the following statement. A study done by a St. Thomas professor found that out of more than 13 million votes cast in Minnesota during a 10 year period, only three were cast by non-citizens. Moreover, voters found ineligible in Minnesota face serious penalties, including 5 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine, and deportation. (Additional Research: Unpacking Myths About Noncitizen Voting)

Michelle Witte, LWVMN Executive Director, spoke about the dangers of the the SAVE Act, especially to married women, in a KSTP/Associated Press story following its passage. If this bill becomes law, it would disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible American citizens (Brennan Center) especially historically marginalized voters (LWVUS Talking Points), increase costs for local election offices and effectively end third party and online voter registration.

Take ACtion

Letter to the Editor Template on the SAVE Act

Tell Congress to Oppose the SAVE Act: You can dial 833-346-1779 to be connected to your Senator’s Office.

• Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith

• Representatives Brad Finstad, Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, Betty McCollum, Ilhan Omar, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Pete Stauber (Reps. Finstad, Emmer, Fischbach and Stauber are all co-sponsors and voted for it - let them know where you stand!)

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• Stop the SAVE Act - Inform Local and State Officials to Speak Up!

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  • Use the polling place finder to determine your district.

updated 2026-03-26