To the Editor:
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is coming up for a vote in both the House and Senate. This legislation would require everyone to prove citizenship by providing specific documents, either a passport or birth certificate, when registering to vote or updating voter information, and to do so in person.
The League of Women Voters vigorously opposes this voter suppression legislation. It is unnecessary, divisive, and would severely limit access to the ballot for eligible Americans, especially voters of color, rural voters, military members, and women whose surnames do not match their birth certificates.
Let’s be clear: there is absolutely no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting in federal or state elections. It is already illegal for noncitizens to register and vote in federal and state elections. The SAVE Act is not about safeguarding elections – it’s about silencing voters.
On a local note, Congressman Mike Lawler, representing NY-17 (most of northern Westchester, portions of Duchess, all of Rockland and Putnam Counties), is a co-sponsor of the bill. Congressman George Latimer, NY-16 (southern Westchester, portion of northern Bronx), opposes the bill.
We urge everyone to contact their members of Congress NOW and tell them to vote NO on this dangerous legislation.
Susan Maggiotto
President, League of Women Voters of the Rivertowns
