CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Republican lawmakers are pushing for a measure to change voter registration rules.
The U.S. House bill is called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, also known as the SAVE Act. It would require people registering to vote to present a Real ID, passport or another document to prove they’re U.S. citizens.
“We’re here for the simple proposition supported by the vast majority of the American people that only citizens of the United States should vote, that we should have documentary proof, that we should have a system to guarantee that only citizens of the United States vote in federal elections,” said Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who introduced the bill.
Roy is behind the bill, which if passed, would affect any new voter registrations or any changes needed for existing voter registrations. The goal is to prevent people who aren’t American citizens from casting a ballot.
“I would suggest that is more burdensome than it might be beneficial because we just don’t have the numbers to show that noncitizens are voting,” said Dr. Susan Roberts, political science professor at Davidson College.
Federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, and data shows this type of voting is extremely rare.
This is not the first time Republican leaders have introduced this bill.
“Safeguarding our elections should not be a partisan issue,” said Tom Emmer, House GOP Majority Whip.
Political experts said whether you’re for it or against it, it’ll likely create hurdles for people trying to register to vote because it would eliminate the option to register online or by mail.
“The more difficult it is to vote, the less likely people will vote,” said Roberts.
One particular group this measure could affect is married women who’ve changed their last names.
“If your driver’s license says one thing, your passport says one thing then you actually have a new name,” said Dr. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University political science professor. “You might have to go through a whole different process, even though you might have already been voting for years and years and years.”
North Carolina political experts told Queen City News there’s currently no timeline on when the bill may see movement. If it does, they believe there will likely be lawsuits. They have mixed reactions on whether or not the bill will pass the House and Senate.
