Citizenship voting requirement in SAVE America Act has no basis in the Constitution – and ignores precedent that only states decide who gets to vote

The House has passed a bill to require proof of citizenship for voting. Although it likely won’t become law, the bill raises constitutional questions.

By: John J. Martin, Quinnipiac University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 16, 2026

Words: 1,544

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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By John J. Martin, Quinnipiac University

The Republican-led House of Representatives voted Feb. 11, 2026 to approve the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act – or SAVE America Act. The bill would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when they register to vote and present photo identification when they do vote in federal elections.

This marks the third year in a row that the House has passed similar legislation. Passage in the Senate, which …

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