Senate Fails to Advance SAVE Act, Millions of Voters Retain Their Right to Vote for Now

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) celebrates the U.S. Senate’s failure to advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, sweeping anti-voter legislation pushed by the Trump administration that would erect significant barriers to ballot access for millions of eligible Americans.

“We are glad to see the SAVE Act stall in the Senate once again. We are grateful to every senator who stood firm against it. To every American who called, wrote and organized to make their voice heard, thank you — your voice matters,” said Laura Williamson, senior policy advisor, SPLC. “While we know opponents of a multiracial, inclusive democracy will continue to push the SAVE Act and other attempts to block the right to vote, we know the American people will continue to reject these efforts and have the power to stop them.”

The SAVE America Act would require citizens to present documents such as a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. In Deep South states like Mississippi and Alabama, fewer than 30% of citizens hold a valid U.S. passport and an estimated 69 million married women nationwide do not possess a birth certificate matching their current legal name. This is the second time the SAVE Act has failed to move forward in the Senate. A prior version of the legislation similarly failed last year in the fact of widespread public opposition.

“Let’s be clear: this is not the end. Those who seek to restrict the right to vote are relentless, and our commitment to fighting them is unwavering. The American people have now rejected this kind of legislation twice,” Williamson continued. “Yet some lawmakers in Washington are intent on continuing to push bills that would block the right to vote instead of addressing urgent issues like skyrocketing costs, unaffordable healthcare, and unaccountable ICE agents. The ability to vote must be defended every day, and the SPLC will continue to be there.”

About the Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.