Election integrity group urges GOP to pass bill to prevent noncitizens from voting

As the Senate reconvenes this week after a spring break, the Honest Elections Project is calling on GOP leaders to take swift action to close a loophole that they claim is allowing noncitizens to vote in federal elections. The group argues that the National Voter Registration Act, also known as the Motor Voter Act, is being interpreted in a way that hinders states from implementing voter ID requirements and creates an opportunity for noncitizens to influence election outcomes.

According to the Honest Elections Project, the current federal law operates on an honor system, where noncitizens can simply check a box indicating they are citizens to be added to the voter rolls. While this act of perjury is punishable, critics argue that it is not a strong enough deterrent. To address this issue, the group has sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Rules Committee Chair Mitch McConnell, urging them to bring the SAVE Act to the Senate floor for a vote.

The SAVE Act, which passed the House recently, would mandate that voters provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or REAL ID indicating citizenship status. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate after being received from the House on April 10.

During the House debate on the bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the significance of the legislation, questioning whether Americans or foreigners and illegal aliens should have a say in determining election outcomes. The bill passed in the House with a narrow 220-208 vote, with only four Democrats joining Republicans in support.

Critics of the SAVE Act argue that the requirement for proof of citizenship would create barriers to voter registration, particularly for people in rural areas or elderly individuals with limited access to ID offices. They also raise concerns about potential disenfranchisement of recently married women due to name changes on identification documents.

However, supporters of the bill, like Honest Elections Executive Director Jason Snead, assert that the SAVE Act would make it easy to vote but hard to cheat. Snead refuted the arguments against the bill, stating that safeguards are in place to address identification discrepancies and allow for alternative evidence of citizenship.

Snead cited instances of noncitizens illegally registering and voting, as well as reports from states like Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia identifying noncitizens on voter rolls who have voted in recent years. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that only citizens have a voice in American elections.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Snead highlighted the widespread support for proof of citizenship requirements in voter registration, citing a Gallup survey showing that 83% of Americans back this measure. He urged Leader Thune to take up the SAVE Act promptly and allow senators to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that only citizens participate in elections.

As the Senate reviews the SAVE Act and considers its implications, the debate over voter ID requirements and safeguarding elections continues to be a key issue for lawmakers and advocates alike. It remains to be seen how the Senate will address this loophole and protect the integrity of federal elections.