SAVE America Act

This bill would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and present photo identification to vote in federal elections. It proposes that states must establish programs to identify and remove noncitizens from official voter rolls while providing an alternative process for individuals to demonstrate citizenship status. Additionally, the measure would require voters using absentee ballots to submit copies of their identification and establishes criminal penalties and private rights of action for certain violations.

This bill affects individuals seeking to register for or vote in federal elections, including those who vote by absentee ballot. State governments and election officials are impacted by new requirements to verify citizenship during registration and maintain voter rolls by removing noncitizens. Additionally, the legislation establishes criminal penalties and a private right of action that may affect individuals or entities involved in the voter registration and election process.

• 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. Acceptable documentation includes identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 indicating citizenship status.
• Establishment of citizenship verification and removal programs. Requires states to implement ongoing programs to identify and remove noncitizens from official lists of eligible voters using information from specific sources. States must also create an alternative process for individuals to demonstrate their U.S. citizenship.
• Photo identification requirements for federal elections. Requires individuals to present an eligible photo identification document to vote in person. Voters using absentee ballots must provide a copy of their identification with both the ballot request and the submitted ballot.
• Enforcement through private action and criminal penalties. Establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses related to the bill's requirements. It also provides for a private right of action to address specific violations of the act.

The bill incorporates identification standards from the REAL ID Act of 2005 as a method for verifying U.S. citizenship during the voter registration process.

The bill aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections by requiring individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship during voter registration and present photo identification to cast a ballot. It further intends to maintain the integrity of voter rolls by requiring states to implement programs that identify and remove noncitizens from official lists of eligible voters.