Why Democratic States Must Eliminate Documentation Fees if the SAVE Act Becomes Law
The Price of Proof
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. This op-ed argues that if the bill becomes law, Democratic-led states should respond by eliminating all fees for birth certificates, Real ID driver’s licenses, marriage certificates, court-ordered name changes, and any other documents required to prove citizenship. The SAVE Act addresses a problem that barely exists: noncitizen voting occurs at rates below 0.001% by every credible measure. Yet the bill would impose real financial costs on millions of eligible citizens, with cumulative documentation expenses ranging from $39 to over $800, depending on individual circumstances. These costs fall hardest on married women and men who changed their last names, transgender Americans who changed their legal names, Black voters, elderly voters, and low-income citizens. When the government conditions the franchise on documents that cost money to obtain, those costs function as a modern poll tax. Sixteen states with Democratic trifectas have the power and the precedent to act. The right to vote should never carry a price tag.
Author Note
Grace Ann Hansen is an independent researcher and writer based in the Upper Midwest. Correspondence regarding this article may be directed to Grace Ann Hansen at grace@graceannhansen.com.
