Senator Mike Lee of Utah has introduced S.3752, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act, to the Senate. The bill, which was introduced on January 29, 2026, has been referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Proof of citizenship requirements
Under the proposed legislation, states would be prohibited from accepting or processing voter registration applications for federal elections unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies that acceptable documents include identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 and indicates U.S. citizenship.
Photo ID and absentee ballot rules
In addition to registration requirements, the bill mandates that individuals voting in federal elections present an eligible photo identification document. For those voting via absentee ballot, the legislation requires the submission of a copy of an identification document both when requesting the ballot and when submitting it.
State responsibilities for voter list maintenance
The bill requires states to establish alternative processes for demonstrating citizenship and mandates that states take ongoing affirmative steps to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote. This includes creating programs to identify noncitizens using information from specific sources and removing noncitizens from official voter lists.
Legal consequences and criminal penalties
Furthermore, the SAVE America Act provides for a private right of action for certain violations and establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses.
