The SAVE ACT failed once already after widespread public opposition. Now, Republican lawmakers have introduced two new versions. One has already passed the House. And if it becomes law, millions of eligible Americans could face new barriers just to register and vote.

They say it’s about “election integrity.” But what it actually does is try to suppress voters.

This is an attack on democracy. The bills still require American citizens to provide birth certificates or passports to register to vote. Many Americans don’t have these documents or have access to them.

The SAVE Act also puts state and local election workers at great risk. It puts an unfair responsibility on these workers to decide if voters have provided enough adequate information. They could also be punished for registering an eligible voter but failing to gather enough paperwork. 

One of the new bills requires states to hand over voter data to the Department of Homeland Security, opening up the possibility of sensitive data exposure and political mishandling. This is exactly why dozens of states have already refused attempts by the Trump administration to gain access to voter information. We won’t stand for our data being shared privately or meddled with.

It also requires photo ID and restricts the type of photo ID you can provide. It also creates an additional barrier to vote by mail by requiring an application to receive a mail-in ballot. This is not what fair elections look like. 

All of these measures make it harder for American citizens to use their right to vote. It overwhelms and threatens election workers. It allows government officials to access and potentially exploit voters’ personal data.

We call on Congress to reject any form of the SAVE Act including the two latest bills. Congress should protect the right to vote, not attack and violate it.