The SAFE Act (S.128) has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee of Utah. The legislation aims to require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
The bill prohibits states from accepting or processing voter registration applications for federal elections unless the applicant presents acceptable proof of citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Under the proposed legislation, states would be prohibited from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless they provide documentary proof of citizenship at the time of application. The bill also mandates that states establish an alternative process for applicants to submit other evidence to demonstrate their citizenship.
Additionally, the act requires states to take ongoing affirmative steps to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote. This includes creating a program to identify non-citizens using information from specific sources and removing non-citizens from official lists of eligible voters.
The SAVE Act establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including the registration of an applicant who fails to present required proof of citizenship. The bill also allows for a private right of action against election officials who register applicants who have failed to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
