In February 2026, the U.S. House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, by a vote of 218-213. This legislation would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship such as s birth certificate or passport and strict photo ID for federal election voting, including anytime you register or update your registration. Voters registering by mail would also need to submit citizenship documents, a new requirement. It now goes to the senate for a vote.

Supporters believe these measures prevent voter impersonation and boost confidence in elections. Critics argue that such fraud is rare and the requirements could restrict voting rights and create extra costs and administrative challenges for election officials.

This bill would especially burden military voters, tribal voters, rural voters, survivors of natural disasters, and the tens of millions of married women in America who have changed their names. According to an NPR article on April 13, 2025, as many as 69 million American women have taken their spouse’s last name, so their birth certificates no longer match the names they use today. Meanwhile, more that half of all Americans do not have a passport according to a 2023 YouGov survey.

There is no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting in federal or state elections. Claims suggesting otherwise are false and undermine confidence in voting. Non-citizens are prohibited from voting, and violations carry severe penalties. States require voters to verify citizenship and have systems to ensure accurate voter rolls.

Americans need fewer voting barriers. Congress should restore the Voting Rights Act and pass measures like Same-Day Registration, protections for voters with disabilities, and funding for election support. To improve elections, lawmakers should invest in better equipment, more staff, and poll worker training. The SAVE Act threatens voting rights rather than protects them; we must oppose it to preserve voter freedom.

Please, express any concerns you have to Sen. Jarry Moran’s Hays office at 785-628-6401 and Sen. Roger Marshall’s Salina office at 785-829-9000. Their websites have an email form to use as well.

Janice Walker

League of Women Voters

Great Bend