Dear River Journal Editors,
I was disappointed that my Congressman, Mike Lawler, voted in support of the SAVE Act, which would require anyone registering to vote–or even changing their address–to present a birth certificate or passport in person at a Board of Elections office. This creates unnecessary burdens for no good reason: the myth of widespread voter fraud has been debunked time and time again.
I’m especially concerned about the impact on married women whose names no longer match their birth certificates: because of the new in-person requirements, many more women than men would have to devote time and effort to get or maintain their registration– and potentially spend more money too if they need to obtain documents such as a passport.
I’m also deeply concerned that voter registration drives would be eliminated. I have had the privilege of participating in non-partisan voter registration drives on my college campus, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help young people register to vote for the first time. Requiring everyone to travel in person to a Board of Elections office will discourage participation and reduce turnout.
When I called Congressman Lawler’s office last week to express my concern, I was given inaccurate information: I was assured that online registration would be permitted, and that women who had changed their names after marriage would be able to simply upload a driver’s license. Unfortunately, neither of these claims is true under the proposed legislation.
I hope the Senate will reject the SAVE Act and protect our right to vote.
Susan Vorsanger
Ossining, NY
