The SAVE America Act has returned to the forefront in Congress. House leadership has announced plans to advance the legislation again as part of a budget reconciliation package, creating a renewed urgency for people of faith to speak out in defense of free and equal access to the ballot.

The SAVE America Act would require individuals registering to vote in federal elections to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport—in person. While intended by its supporters to strengthen election integrity, many voting rights advocates warn that these requirements would create significant barriers for millions of eligible American citizens seeking to register or update their voter registration.

Many eligible voters do not have immediate access to the documents the legislation would require. If enacted, the bill could disproportionately affect communities that already face obstacles to civic participation, including people of color, low-income households, rural residents, military families, students, older adults, naturalized citizens, and women whose legal names have changed through marriage or divorce. It would also disrupt the voter registration methods that most Americans currently rely on, including online registration, mail registration, and registration through state motor vehicle agencies.

Voting rights organizations estimate that:

• Approximately 21 million eligible U.S. citizens do not have ready access to a birth certificate, passport, or similar documentary proof of citizenship.
• More than 140 million Americans do not possess a valid passport.
• Nearly 69 million women and millions of men who have changed their names could face additional documentation hurdles when registering to vote.
• Citizens of color are significantly more likely than white citizens to lack the required documents.
• Many rural Americans could be required to travel long distances simply to present documentation in person.

For many eligible voters, these requirements would make registering to vote substantially more difficult, raising concerns about equal access to participation in our democracy.

As Presbyterians, we are called to advocate for justice, protect the dignity of every person, and stand with those whose voices are at risk of being excluded. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long supported policies that expand and protect equal access to voting, recognizing that broad participation in elections strengthens both our democracy and our common life.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 31:8–9: "Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." As people of faith, we are called to ensure that every eligible person's voice can be heard and that barriers do not prevent our neighbors from participating fully in our democracy. This commitment is an expression of our call to seek justice, uphold human dignity, and love our neighbors.

Now is a critical moment. Congress is once again considering legislation that could significantly reshape voter registration in the United States.

Take action today. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose the SAVE America Act and any legislation that would unnecessarily restrict eligible citizens' access to voter registration and the ballot.

You can also strengthen this effort by sharing this action alert with your congregation, friends, and community, encouraging them to contact their elected officials.

Together, we can continue to advocate for a democracy in which every eligible voter has an equal opportunity to participate, and every voice can be heard.