1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 22/S.128). This legislation imposes stringent proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration, potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible American voters. The SAVE Act mandates that all individuals provide specific documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote. However, studies indicate that over 21 million U.S. citizens lack these documents, making it exceedingly difficult for them to exercise their fundamental right to vote.  Furthermore, the Act requires in-person submission of these documents, posing significant challenges for rural voters who may need to travel long distances to reach their designated election offices.  Critics argue that the SAVE Act could disproportionately affect married women who have changed their surnames, as discrepancies between birth certificates and current identification could hinder their ability to register.  While safeguarding the integrity of our elections is paramount, implementing measures that could disenfranchise eligible voters undermines the very foundation of our democracy. I urge you to oppose the SAVE Act and support legislation that ensures both the security and accessibility of our electoral process.