“Voting is a fundamental political right because it’s preservative of all rights.” (Supreme Court, May 10, 1886). The Supreme Court and lower courts have ruled that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution applies also to election laws. Even if a proposed law (bill) appears to be beneficial, it can still be unconstitutional if its application disadvantages a particular group of voters.
The president has characterized the SAVE ACT (H.R. 22 and S.128) as critical legislation that will protect election security and prevent non-citizen voting. Trump and his minions disingenuously refer to it as simply requiring voter ID, giving it the appearance of being beneficial. You may be saying to yourself, “I always show my ID before voting”; true that. In fact, voter identification over the years (using your driver’s license) found voter fraud rates between .0003% and .00025% of votes cast (3 cases / 1,000,000) (Brennan Center for Justice). As the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving. The deception in this case is unconstitutional, making it slightly more serious than simple sleight of hand.
The Save Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) is, as Sen. Elissa Slotkin called it, a proof of citizenship requirement and a solution in search of a problem. Driver’s licenses won’t prove citizenship. Anyone registering or re-registering in a federal election would have to provide documentary proof of US citizenship at the time of registration.
The people most directly affected would include millions of already-registered voters, first-time voters, voters who move and must register again in a new jurisdiction, married women whose legal name doesn’t match their married name (69 million), members of the military stationed overseas, senior citizens, naturalized citizens, low-income voters, and rural voters.
It is estimated that over 21 million Americans lack documented proof of citizenship. It would be easier to list the voters who aren’t included. The good news is that the bill does not discriminate due to political preference. It affects us all, including and especially voters that support you know who.
Documents listed in the bill that may provide proof of citizenship (must be presented in person, eliminating on-line registration) include things like a U.S. passport, original birth certificate and or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship. It is estimated, at least in Michigan, that 60% don’t have these documents and they are not free to replace. A U.S. passport costs a minimum of $165. The cheaper version of a passport card costs $65. A certified birth certificate costs between $10 and $50, depending on the state in which you live. Replacing a lost naturalization certificate costs $1,385.
It is unconstitutional to charge any fee as a condition of voting (24th Amendment to the Constitution, 1964). Kansas and Arizona have already implemented proof of citizenship requirements. It blocked over 30,000 eligible voters in each state from registering and was struck down in the courts. Americans can’t and won’t comply. They will just give up and sacrifice their most valued Constitutional right: the right to vote.
That’s the Trump plan.
Here’s what you can do right now:
• Check your registration.
• Help your neighbors and relatives locate their documents.
• Contact your senators and voice your opposition.
• Sign up for the Vote.org newsletter.
• RESIST!!
Roy Neal
Linden
