There has been a lot of conflicting information circulating about the SAVE Act, and as of now, there has been little coverage from major news sources.

Based on information from the Campaign Legal Center (CLC), the U.S. Senate has stopped debate on the SAVE Act. This means the bill has effectively stalled and did not advance in the Senate.

This is a shift from where things stood in February, when the House of Representatives passed the bill and it moved to the Senate for consideration.

What the SAVE Act would do

As previously shared, the SAVE Act would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote or update voter registration. This could include documents such as a passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization papers.

These requirements would add new steps to the registration process and could make it harder for eligible voters to register or stay registered.

Who could be impacted

Accessing these documents can require time, cost, and supporting paperwork. Based on prior analysis and national advocacy reporting, barriers could fall most heavily on:

• People impacted by incarceration, poverty, or housing instability
• People whose documents do not match their current name
• Elderly voters
• Naturalized citizens
• Voters with limited access to transportation or government offices

It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal or state elections. Proposals like this add additional documentation requirements for people who are already eligible.

What happens next

Because the Senate stopped debate, the SAVE Act did not move forward at this time.

However, similar proposals continue to move forward at the state and local level.

In Michigan, HB 4765 has already passed the House and is now in the Senate. Like the federal SAVE Act, it would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote and could create barriers for eligible voters across the state.

At the same time, local governments across Michigan are taking action by passing resolutions opposing these types of requirements.

Take action

There are multiple ways to engage right now:

• Contact your State Senator and share how HB 4765 could impact you or your community
• Show up to local meetings and public comment opportunities where documentary proof of citizenship policies are being discussed
• Speak from your experience. Local leaders are hearing directly from community members, and those voices are shaping decisions

What is happening at the federal level, in Lansing, and in local communities is connected. Participation at every level is how civic power is built.

We will continue sharing updates as this develops.