A newly proposed bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, is causing an uproar across the country. While its supporters claim it will prevent voter fraud, critics warn it could disenfranchise millions of married women—along with other eligible voters.
The bill, introduced by Texas Representative Chip Roy, would require all voters to show documented proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. That means a simple driver’s license or state-issued ID would no longer be enough. Instead, voters would need a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers to prove their citizenship.
Why This Could Be a Problem for Married Women
The biggest concern? Many married women change their last names after marriage, and their birth certificates may not match their current legal name. Without additional paperwork—such as a marriage certificate or court order—many could struggle to meet the new ID requirements.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, nearly 21.3 million eligible voters don’t have immediate access to these required documents. That number includes not only married women but also young voters, low-income individuals, and rural residents who may have trouble obtaining or affording these documents.
Although the bill allows voters to submit “other evidence” of citizenship, election officials could be criminally charged if they register someone without the exact documents required. This could make them hesitant to accept alternative forms of proof, leaving many voters—especially women—without a way to register.
A New Hurdle for Voter Registration
If passed, the SAVE Act would dramatically change how Americans register to vote. Online voter registration, mail-in applications, and voter registration drives—all commonly used methods—could become much harder or even impossible if applicants must present physical citizenship documents in person.
Supporters of the bill argue that it will protect the integrity of elections and prevent non-citizens from voting. Rep. Chip Roy insists that “American elections belong to American citizens,” and he believes stricter registration rules are necessary.
However, opponents say the bill is unnecessary and dangerous, calling it a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argue that it could suppress the voting rights of millions of eligible citizens, particularly married women, people of color, and lower-income voters.
What Happens Next?
The SAVE Act is still making its way through Congress, but the backlash is growing. With the 2024 election season heating up, voting rights advocates warn that if this bill passes, it could impact millions of voters—especially women who have changed their names after marriage.
For now, married women and other affected voters are being urged to double-check their voter registration status and ensure they have the required documents before the next election.
Will this bill become law? And if so, how many voters will be left out of the democratic process? That remains to be seen.
