Only One Democrat Voted to Prove You're American Before You Vote

What Is the SAVE America Act and Why Does It Require Proof of Citizenship to Vote?

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act on February 11, 2026, by a razor thin margin of 218 to 213. The vote fell almost entirely along party lines, with every Republican voting in favor and all but one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, voting against it.

The bill, formally known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require "documentary proof of United States citizenship" for anyone registering to vote in federal elections. It also mandates a photo ID at the time of voting.

Acceptable forms of primary documentation include a REAL ID compliant identification card showing U.S. citizenship, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID with service record showing U.S. birth, or a government issued photo ID showing birthplace. Supplementary documents such as a birth certificate, hospital record of birth, or final adoption decree can also be paired with a photo ID.

For those who cannot provide documentary proof, the legislation includes an alternative process. Individuals may sign an attestation under penalty of perjury claiming U.S. citizenship and submit "other evidence" to state or local officials. The Election Assistance Commission is required to create a uniform affidavit establishing minimum standards for these cases.

Senator Mike Lee has stated that 50 senators support the bill, though passage remains uncertain since most legislation requires 60 votes in the Senate.

The legislation also imposes significant requirements on states. States must require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, and mail registration applicants must present proof in person. States have 30 days after enactment to establish programs ensuring only citizens are registered, using verification tools from the Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration, and state agencies.

SAVE America Act: Voter ID Bill Passes House With Criminal Penalties for Violations

The bill introduces criminal penalties for executive branch officers who provide "material assistance to a noncitizen in attempting to register to vote or vote in an election for Federal office." Violations carry fines and prison terms of up to five years. It also creates a private right of action against election officials who register applicants without proper citizenship documentation.

Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security would be authorized to investigate and initiate removal proceedings against noncitizens found to be illegally registered to vote.

Currently, 14 states including California, New York, and Illinois do not require any documentation to vote. Ten states require strict photo ID, including Georgia, Ohio, and Tennessee. The SAVE America Act would create a federal baseline that overrides these varying state laws for federal elections. Reports indicate Senator Mitch McConnell may have worked to procedurally block a Senate vote on the bill.

The Crusader's Opinion

The right to vote is sacred, and so is the obligation to protect it. If you need an ID to buy cough medicine or board a plane, requiring proof of citizenship to determine the future of this nation is not voter suppression. It is common sense. The fact that every single Democrat except one voted against ensuring that only American citizens decide American elections should tell you everything you need to know about whose interests they are actually serving. A nation that cannot secure its own ballot box has already surrendered its sovereignty.

Take Action

• Contact Your Senator: Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224 3121 and urge your senator to support the SAVE America Act. Ask them directly: "Will you vote yes on the SAVE America Act?"
• Share This Story: Post this article on social media and ask your friends and family if they believe only citizens should vote in American elections. Tag your representatives.
• Register and Verify: Ensure your own voter registration is up to date and that you have proper identification ready for upcoming elections. Visit vote.org to check your status.
• Support Election Integrity Organizations: Donate to groups like the Public Interest Legal Foundation that work to maintain clean voter rolls.
• Pray for Righteous Leadership: Pray that God grants wisdom to our elected officials and that the laws of this nation reflect justice and truth. Support Christian civic engagement at The Shepherd's Shield.