❓WHAT HAPPENED: The SAVE America Act, an election reform proposal, has significant bipartisan public support despite facing opposition from Congressional Democrats.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump and supporters of the SAVE America Act, alongside Congressional Democrats who oppose it.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The discussion around the SAVE America Act is ongoing, with recent polling and research highlighting its support.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Regardless of how you poll, voters like a requirement for photo ID… I mean it’s kind of a no-brainer for a large swath of the American public … including most Democrats.” – Charles Stewart, MIT Election Lab
🎯IMPACT: The SAVE America Act remains popular among the American public, but faces resistance from Congressional Democrats, highlighting a disconnect between public opinion and legislative action.
The SAVE America Act is gaining traction as one of the most widely supported election reform proposals in recent American history. Despite its popularity, Congressional Democrats continue to resist the legislation, which seeks to prevent illegal voting and require proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Polling data indicates strong support for the act’s core provisions across party lines. A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll found that 81 percent of Americans favor voter ID requirements, with similar levels of support observed in studies by Pew Research Center and Gallup. Furthermore, 83 percent of Americans support proof of citizenship for voter registration.
- Harvard CAPS/Harris: 81% of Americans favor voter ID, including 79% of independents and 70% of Democrats.
- Pew Research Center: 83% of Americans — including wide majorities of Democrats, independents, Whites, Blacks, and Latinos — favor voter ID requirements.
- Gallup: 84% support voter ID, with 98% of Republicans, 84% of independents, and 67% of Democrats on board — while an equally robust 83% back proof of citizenship for voter registration.
- Rasmussen Reports: 75% support voter ID, with support increasing over the past decade.
Charles Stewart of the MIT Election Lab noted the widespread approval for photo ID requirements, emphasizing that it is a straightforward measure that resonates with many Americans, including Democrats. The bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter, has also supported the need for voter ID, drawing parallels to other forms of identification in daily life.
Research counters the argument that voter ID laws suppress turnout. Studies by the National Bureau of Economic Research and others have found no negative impact on voter registration or turnout due to these laws. Additionally, real-world examples, such as Georgia’s record turnout following its voter ID law, further challenge claims that such measures reduce participation.
Public opinion also favors citizenship requirements for voting. According to polling, 85 percent of Americans believe only U.S. citizens should vote in American elections.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.