House Passes Legislation to Restore Election Integrity

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE America ACT, legislation Rep. Haridopolos co-sponsored to strengthen election integrity by making voter ID and proof of U.S. citizenship the standard for federal elections.

“Secure and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos. “Every eligible American citizen deserves to know that their vote counts. Requiring photo ID and proof of citizenship is a common-sense step to restoring trust in our elections.” 

Background:

Even though federal law already says only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, some states are still finding non-citizens and other ineligible people on their voter rolls because the rules and safeguards aren’t consistent. While most states require voters to show some kind of ID at the polls, 14 states do not require a photo ID at all. That lack of basic checks makes it harder to ensure elections are secure and weakens public trust in the system.

The SAVE America Act will:

• Require voters to present a photo ID when casting a ballot in federal elections.
• Allow absentee and mail-in voters to submit a copy of their photo ID with their ballot.
• Update the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, provided in person, when registering to vote in a federal election.
• Require states to review and verify voter rolls at least once a month to identify non-citizens and other ineligible registrants.
• Direct states to establish procedures to resolve documentation discrepancies, ensuring eligible voters are not disqualified due to name changes or clerical errors.
• Permit eligible voters to register and submit proof of citizenship by mail in states that allow early voting or same-day voter registration.
• Allow eligible voters to cast a provisional ballot if required documentation is not available on Election Day.

The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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