February 10, 2026
Republicans want to dramatically change the way you vote by passing a controversial new bill this week. You might remember this bill’s processor called the Save Act? Yeah – well the Republicans new 2026 version is called the Save America Act. And it basically does the same thing – with a few new tweaks.
Before I tell you what this bill says – you have to understand that the Republicans who wrote this bill and the President of the United States believe there is all kinds of election fraud going on and believe there are millions of people who are in this country illegally who are voting. The facts are – none of that is true. There is no widespread voter fraud in federal election or frankly in any recent election that has been proven in any court. And federal law already says non-citizens are not allowed to vote. It’s already a federal crime punishable up to five years in federal prison.
But regardless – republicans and the president are pushing the Save America Act hard…even though voting rights experts say if this passes – this law could probably prevent about 21 million Americans from voting. Not because they’re here illegally – but because – they don’t have access to these documents.
Like the Save act – this bill would require proof of citizenship. Not proof of identity. But proof of citizenship. That’s an important difference. That means your driver’s license isn’t enough to register to vote and probably your Real ID won’t be enough either. That’s because most Real IDs don’t have proof of citizenship. The law says you will either need — valid passport, original birth certificate, original social security card or military ID along with us military record of service showing your place of birth in the US. If you don’t have original copies of those things that have your current legal name…then the bill says you can present a combination of documents to include….your driver’s license plus your birth certificate that shows you were born in the United States. Or your drivers license plus an US hospital record of birth or your driver’s license plus your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by homeland security. Or your driver’s license and your American Indian card issued by homeland security. Newly married voters who have change their last name would have to reregister to vote with one of those valid citizenship documents — plus provide proof as to why their current name doesn’t match their birth certificate.
The bill says you will no longer be registered to vote through the mail unless you also present that proof of citizenship *in person* to your local election authorities. And if your state allows same day voter registration – you must bring that proof of citizenship with you when you go to vote.
Then when it comes to election day – this bill would require you to provide a photo ID – like a state-issued driver’s license– in order cast a ballot. If you vote absentee you will have to include a copy of your photo ID with your absentee ballot. And if you vote by mail — this bill will likely make that more difficult too. This bill requires Americans to first prove citizenship to register and then provide a photo ID to request a mail ballot and then include a copy of a photo ID when you mail the ballot back. There are some exceptions for disabled Americans and members of the military.
Here’s the thing – I mentioned this law – if it was to pass – would impact about 21 million Americans. And that’s because about half of Americans don’t have a passport…and millions more don’t have access to those original documents like a birth certificate. And for married women who have changed their names – that’s going to put a big burden on them to dig up original birth certificate or passport and an original marriage certificate.
Now – House Republicans and President Trump are pushing this hard. They are going to try and pass the Save America Act through the House this week. But then it has to go to the Senate…where it will need 60 votes. Democrats are not on board and some Senate Republicans are also not on board with all the provisions in this bill. Some Republicans and the president are pushing the Senate to throw out the filibuster and get rid of that 60 vote requirement so this bill can pass…but as of today – Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune says that’s not going to happen. So it’s unclear if the Save America act is going to have the same fate as the Save act…which was – a slow death.
Read the Save America Act here.
