U.S. SAVE America Act Spurs Voter ID Ballot Measures in Multiple States

Congress passed the SAVE America Act, a provision that would require proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—when registering to vote in federal elections. Critics say the measure could create significant barriers for many voters, particularly Native Americans, whose tribal IDs often lack required birth‑place information and who may face long travel distances to obtain vital documents.

State ballot initiatives have emerged in response, with California’s Proposition 39 and Arizona’s Proposition 144 proposing photo‑ID and citizenship‑verification requirements. Similar measures are pending in Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Colorado and Michigan. In California, Attorney General Rob Bonta altered the ballot language from “Establishes additional voter identification and citizenship verification requirements” to “Prohibits citizens from voting unless they present government‑issued identification,” prompting criticism from election‑rights groups.

Supporters, including Jason Snead of the Honest Elections Project, argue the requirements will safeguard elections, while opponents warn they will disenfranchise millions, especially in tribal and rural communities.