Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN-08) released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 8281, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation would ensure that the right to vote for our nation’s leaders in federal elections is enjoyed only by American citizens – as prescribed by our Constitution – by requiring proof of citizenship to cast a ballot in a federal election.    

“One of the most important rights we have as American citizens is the right to choose our nation’s elected leaders in free and fair elections.  Our Constitution specifically reserves this right for American citizens in federal elections.  In fact, current federal law already makes it illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections,” said Dr. Bucshon.  “Unfortunately, our border is not secure and millions of illegal immigrants are now here living in the United States.  Under President Joe Biden’s failed leadership, nearly five million illegal aliens have been released into the United States and millions more have crossed the border illegally.  The failure to secure our border should not diminish the right to vote that is solely reserved for citizens. It’s already illegal under federal law for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, but by requiring proof of citizenship to vote in a federal election we can restore Americans’ trust in the integrity of our electoral process and reassure them that only American citizens are determining the outcome of federal elections.”

Background

The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requires states to provide a federal voter registration form at the time an individual applies for a driver’s license or for state benefits. In some states, non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, are eligible to receive driver’s licenses and public assistance, meaning non-citizens have likely been provided voter registration forms in these states.

1. While only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, the NVRA prevents states from requiring proof of citizenship. 
   

On March 7, 2021, President Biden signed the ‘‘Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting’’ that requires federal agencies to expand opportunities to register to vote. Under this EO, non-citizens engaging with a federal agency are likely to encounter voter registration materials.

Specifically, H.R. 8281:

1. Amends the NVRA to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election.
   
   
2. Directs states to establish a process for applicants that do not have documentary proof of citizenship but are in fact U.S. citizens and directs states to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled Americans and applicants that have discrepancies on their documentation due to a name change.
   
   
3. Requires states to establish a program to remove non-citizens from their existing voter rolls and gives states immediate, no-cost access to federal databases with citizenship information to do so.
   
   
4. Empowers citizens to bring civil suits against election officials who fail to uphold the Act’s requirements, via the existing NVRA private right of action.
   
   
5. Adds penalties for federal, state, and local officials who knowingly register non-citizens to vote in federal elections.

Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. represents Indiana’s 8^th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives and is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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