Attempt to restrict voting for married women (failed)

Introduced on January 3, 2025, the SAVE Act (HR 22) would have required all individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections - even for those who are already registered and have a voting history. The most common forms of accepted documentation listed included: a US passport, or a government-issued photo ID plus an original birth certificate. The bill made no exception for marriage or REAL IDs.

In April, the House of Representatives passed HR 22 by a narrow vote of 220 to 208. As of June 14, the bill remains with the Senate, where it must overcome filibuster rules that require 60 votes to pass.

Why it Matters

If you changed your name for any reason, including marriage, you will not be eligible to vote in a federal election without a US passport, because your birth certificate will not match any other form of accepted government photo ID.

For context, roughly 142 million Americans do not have a valid US passport. Based on current population estimates, that would leave as many as 69 million women citizens in the US without the proper ID to vote.

Background

Originally introduced in 2024 and passed in the House in 2024 and 2025, proponents of the SAVE Act believe it is necessary to ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections, which they say is already the law but lacks a clear enforcement mechanism.

Opponents argue that the stricter rules are intended to suppress the vote and that the new requirements could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. They also point out that the bill doesn't include federal funding for states to implement the new requirements, nor does it provide for a phase-in period. 

Resources

The Center for American Progress - The SAVE Act: Overview and Facts
Chip Roy - Rep. Roy reintroduces bill to protect the integrity and sanctity of American elections