SAVE Act

This bill would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and would prohibit states from processing applications without such documentation. It proposes that states establish programs to identify and remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls while creating an alternative process for applicants to demonstrate citizenship through other evidence. Additionally, the bill would establish criminal penalties and allow for private legal action against election officials who register individuals without the required proof of citizenship.

This bill affects individuals seeking to register to vote in federal elections, as they must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. State election officials and the Election Assistance Commission are affected by new requirements to implement registration protocols, maintain voter lists, and issue guidance. Additionally, the bill impacts noncitizens currently on official lists of eligible voters who must be removed by state programs.

• Proof of citizenship requirement for federal voter registration. Prohibits states from accepting or processing applications to register for federal elections unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Alternative citizenship verification process. Requires states to create an alternative procedure allowing applicants to submit other forms of evidence to demonstrate their U.S. citizenship status.
• Ongoing voter roll maintenance and noncitizen removal. Directs states to implement programs using specified information sources to identify and remove noncitizens from official lists of eligible voters on an ongoing basis.
• Civil and criminal enforcement mechanisms. Establishes criminal penalties and allows for private legal action against election officials who register individuals for federal elections without the required proof of citizenship.
• Federal guidance for implementation. Mandates that the Election Assistance Commission adopt and transmit implementation guidance to state election officials within 10 days of the bill's enactment.

The Election Assistance Commission is required to adopt and transmit implementation guidance to state election officials within 10 days of the bill's requirements taking effect.

The bill modifies federal election registration procedures by requiring the Election Assistance Commission to provide implementation guidance to state officials and establishes new requirements for states to utilize specified information sources to identify and remove noncitizens from official lists of eligible voters.

The bill aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections by requiring individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote. It establishes mandates for states to verify citizenship status during the registration process and maintain voter rolls by identifying and removing noncitizens.