With a vote looming on the SAVE America Act, some are looking at the potential effects of the legislation in Pennsylvania, with supporters arguing the legislation could prevent fraudulent votes from being cast, while opponents argue it could cause millions of Americans to lose access to voting.Proof of citizenship requirementsAmong the biggest changes would be a requirement that people registering or re-registering to vote have to provide proof of citizenship to do so, which could include a U.S. Passport, a birth certificate, a state-issued identification that complies with Real ID requirements and also proves citizenship (PennDOT says Pennsylvania Real IDs do not prove citizenship).”If you don’t have one of those and millions of people don’t, you’re going to be out of luck,” said Dickinson College President John Jones, a former federal judge.The bill also mandates showing a photo ID to vote in person and proving citizenship for absentee or mail voting. Concerns over people lacking specific documentsKadida Kenner, a voting rights activist with the New Pennsylvania Project, expressed concern that the act presents a barrier for individuals lacking the specific documents required. Kenner highlighted the challenges faced by married women whose names may not match their birth certificates, especially if they do not have access to a passport.”Half of Americans do not have passports, or they can’t afford them in this moment — ‘$165 and I’m struggling to pay bills?'” Kenner said.Supporters of the bill Conservative activist Scott Presler supports the Save America Act and has been intensely advocating for its passage through social media and personal appearances. Despite concerns about not being able to prove citizenship, Presler believes there is sufficient time for individuals to obtain the necessary documentation to vote. “We vote twice a year. I believe there’s ample time that you’re going to be able to secure your birth certificate or secure your marriage certificate if you change your name like a beautiful married woman here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Presler said.Supporters of the bill, including Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, cite cases like one announced in Philadelphia this month, where federal prosecutors claim a man illegally living in the country voted in several elections, including in 2024. McCormick argues that such cases demonstrate the need for photo ID requirements. “Just like you do when you buy a six-pack of beer, or when you give blood or when you get married, when you get on an airplane. This is basic stuff,” McCormick said.However, Jones contends that voter fraud is rare, and the Philadelphia case does not indicate widespread voter fraud. “That’s like using a howitzer to kill a fly, so they found one guy,” Jones said. New voter requirements could hike costs for taxpayersJones also warned that new voter registration requirements could increase costs for county taxpayers and potentially infringe on states’ authority to conduct elections under the U.S. Constitution. “Congress can pass certain laws that affect that, but this may go too deeply into what used to be the purview of the states,” Jones said.
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
With a vote looming on the SAVE America Act, some are looking at the potential effects of the legislation in Pennsylvania, with supporters arguing the legislation could prevent fraudulent votes from being cast, while opponents argue it could cause millions of Americans to lose access to voting.
Proof of citizenship requirements
Among the biggest changes would be a requirement that people registering or re-registering to vote have to provide proof of citizenship to do so, which could include a U.S. Passport, a birth certificate, a state-issued identification that complies with Real ID requirements and also proves citizenship (PennDOT says Pennsylvania Real IDs do not prove citizenship).
“If you don’t have one of those and millions of people don’t, you’re going to be out of luck,” said Dickinson College President John Jones, a former federal judge.
The bill also mandates showing a photo ID to vote in person and proving citizenship for absentee or mail voting.
Concerns over people lacking specific documents
Kadida Kenner, a voting rights activist with the New Pennsylvania Project, expressed concern that the act presents a barrier for individuals lacking the specific documents required.
Kenner highlighted the challenges faced by married women whose names may not match their birth certificates, especially if they do not have access to a passport.
“Half of Americans do not have passports, or they can’t afford them in this moment — ‘$165 and I’m struggling to pay bills?'” Kenner said.
Supporters of the bill
Conservative activist Scott Presler supports the Save America Act and has been intensely advocating for its passage through social media and personal appearances.
Despite concerns about not being able to prove citizenship, Presler believes there is sufficient time for individuals to obtain the necessary documentation to vote.
“We vote twice a year. I believe there’s ample time that you’re going to be able to secure your birth certificate or secure your marriage certificate if you change your name like a beautiful married woman here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Presler said.
Supporters of the bill, including Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, cite cases like one announced in Philadelphia this month, where federal prosecutors claim a man illegally living in the country voted in several elections, including in 2024.
McCormick argues that such cases demonstrate the need for photo ID requirements.
“Just like you do when you buy a six-pack of beer, or when you give blood or when you get married, when you get on an airplane. This is basic stuff,” McCormick said.
However, Jones contends that voter fraud is rare, and the Philadelphia case does not indicate widespread voter fraud.
“That’s like using a howitzer to kill a fly, so they found one guy,” Jones said.
New voter requirements could hike costs for taxpayers
Jones also warned that new voter registration requirements could increase costs for county taxpayers and potentially infringe on states’ authority to conduct elections under the U.S. Constitution.
“Congress can pass certain laws that affect that, but this may go too deeply into what used to be the purview of the states,” Jones said.