Lawmakers are once again considering the SAVE America Act (S. 1383) attached to multiple legislative vehicles. Lawmakers should be aware of the challenge these attempts pose to eligible voters.

Over 10,000 messages have been sent to Congress through the ELCA Action Center to reject voting barriers, and we thank you for your continued advocacy!

Following a spring executive order targeting access to mail-in voting and removal of Election Assistance Commission leadership(EAC), ongoing litigation has renewed concern for the uncertainty voters may face this November. The order – directing the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate with the Social Security Administration in compiling state-specific lists of sensitive voter information – and recently published USPS final rule add to the concerning threats to local and state rights to administer elections. Additionally, harmful provisions from the SAVE America Act have returned, attached to multiple vehicles. This provides a timely opportunity to ask Congress to respond to these threats and oppose restricting access to voting.

The SAVE America Act (S. 1383) would create far-reaching changes to federal voting law. Changes would include adding requirements for voters to provide burdensome proof of eligibility, including documentary proof of U.S. citizenship like birth certificates, to register to vote and stricter photo identification, such as passport requirements, for casting a ballot. These changes would not make any noticeable change to election security. By making it harder to both prove eligibility and register to vote, the adjustments would disproportionately impact rural, low-income and marginalized communities, and members of Tribal Nations.

The ELCA affirms voter participation as an exercise in citizenship and condemns efforts to restrict access for all – especially low-income communities which are often left out of the election process. As developments regarding proposed changes for mail-in ballots and consideration of restrictive Voter ID legislation continue,lawmakers should be aware of the challenges these attempts pose to eligible voters.

Urge your Member of Congress to oppose the SAVE America Act and vote NO on any attempt to include similar language in upcoming legislation.