(ReliableNews.org) – After the January 6 insurrection following the last presidential election and the subsequent false claims of a stolen election, lawmakers have been attempting to ensure the integrity of the election is beyond reproach this time around. Recently, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) held a press conference to announce new legislation regarding that effort.
On May 8, the speaker spoke to reporters from the steps of the US Capitol to talk about the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Two of the bill’s backers, Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), were also present and spoke to the crowd about the measure.
The lawmakers also announced the legislation with commentary on their respective websites. Johnson explained that the measure would require US citizens to prove their identity and citizenship when registering to vote. The act reads that the proof must be presented in person.
According to the speaker, the move was necessary to ensure that only US citizens are voting in presidential elections. He said that the Biden administration had allowed too many migrants into the country, indicating they could possibly register to vote. However, noncitizens are not allowed to cast votes in federal elections, as outlined in the law passed nearly 30 years ago. Still, Johnson said many areas across the country that allow noncitizens to vote in local elections have muddied the waters and made it confusing for migrants to know whether they can vote for president or not. This legislation aims to clear things up.
Other amendments to the National Voter Registration Act include permission for citizens to bring lawsuits against election officials who don’t follow the new protocol and require states to purge any noncitizens from their respective voter rolls.
It’s unclear when the legislation will be presented in the House, but it appears to have strong Republican support. No Democrats have signed on to the legislation thus far.
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