To ensure only citizens are registered to vote in elections for Federal office, and to require voters to provide photo identification.

The proposed amendment, also known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act, aims to ensure that only United States citizens are registered to vote and that voters provide identification when casting ballots in Federal elections.

Changes to Voter Registration

The amendment adds several requirements to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to verify citizenship:

• Documentary Proof: States cannot process voter registration applications for Federal office unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. This includes items like a U.S. passport, REAL ID compliant identification, or a certified birth certificate.
• Verification Processes: It requires states to use the SAVE system (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) and other data sources to identify and remove noncitizens from voter rolls.
• Federal Agency Support: Federal agencies must provide relevant eligibility information to state election officials within 24 hours of a request.
• Accountability: The amendment creates a private right of action and criminal penalties for election officials who purposefully register applicants who fail to present documentary proof of citizenship.

Changes to Voting Requirements

The amendment adds a new section to the Help America Vote Act of 2002 regarding photo identification:

• In-Person Voting: Voters must present a valid physical photo identification to receive a ballot. If they do not have one, they may cast a provisional ballot but must provide the ID (or a religious objection affidavit) within 3 days for it to be counted.
• Non-In-Person Voting: Voters must submit a copy of a valid photo ID or provide the last four digits of their Social Security number and an affidavit stating they cannot obtain a photo ID.
• Public Access: State and local governments must provide free public access to digital imaging devices (like scanners or copiers) in government buildings so people can copy their IDs.
• Valid IDs: Acceptable identification includes state driver's licenses, state ID cards, U.S. passports, military IDs, and Tribal government IDs, all of which must include a photo and expiration date.