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 voter rolls using specific data sources, while also 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, who must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. State election officials and the Election Assistance Commission are responsible for implementing new registration requirements, verification programs, and guidance. Additionally, the bill impacts noncitizens currently on official lists of eligible voters, as states are required to identify and remove them from these rolls.

• Mandatory proof of citizenship for 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 a secondary process 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 establish programs using specified information sources to identify and remove noncitizens from official lists of eligible voters.
• Civil and criminal enforcement mechanisms. Establishes criminal penalties and allows for private legal action against election officials who register individuals for federal elections without required proof of citizenship.
• Implementation guidance for state officials. Requires the Election Assistance Commission to develop and transmit guidance to chief state election officials within 10 days to assist in implementing the bill's requirements.

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

The bill establishes new federal mandates for state voter registration systems and requires the Election Assistance Commission to provide implementation guidance to state election officials.

The bill aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in federal elections by requiring individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship during the registration process. It also intends to mandate that states maintain accurate voter rolls by identifying and removing noncitizens from official lists of eligible voters.