The 2026 midterm elections are just weeks away. As Americans prepare to make their voices heard, we must protect access to the ballot box.

That is why we are calling on Congress to reject H.R.22, the SAVE Act. This voter-suppression measure is a solution in search of a problem: Noncitizen voting in federal elections is already illegal and exceedingly rare. Yet the bill would require Americans to produce documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register or update their registration.

Millions of eligible citizens lack ready access to these documents. The bill would disproportionately burden married people whose names have changed, older adults, low-income and rural voters, people with disabilities, naturalized and tribal citizens, students, and unhoused people. It could also disrupt registration by mail or online, automatic and same-day registration, and community voter registration drives.

The United Church of Christ believes that every person possesses God-given dignity and every eligible citizen deserves free and fair access to the ballot. Through Our Faith, Our Vote, the UCC equips its members to participate in democracy as faithful Christian disciples and witnesses for justice. Excluding qualified voters, especially those from marginalized communities, contradicts these values.

Congress MUST protect voting rights. Tell your lawmakers to vote NO on the SAVE Act.