Americans want and deserve ease of use when it comes to participating in elections, Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama) said on Washington Watch Monday.
The SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote in federal elections, remains stalled in the Senate where Republicans, who hold 53 seats, require 60 votes to block the Democrats’ filibuster and get it across the finish line.
Polling within the last several years, including a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll from earlier this month, shows broad support from Americans for proof of citizenship (75%) and photo ID (81%) requirements for voting.
Support is especially strong for photo ID.
A CBS News poll conducted last week found 80% of Americans support requiring a valid photo ID to vote — including 95% of Republicans, 79% of independents, and 65% of Democrats. Support for requiring proof of citizenship to register was somewhat lower, at 66% overall, The Washington Times reported.
President Donald Trump has posted on social media about the SAVE America Act at least 21 times since Feb. 5, pushing Republicans to get it passed and bring a bill to his desk.
“I have long been a proponent of voter ID. It puzzles me why the Democrats won’t get on board,” Aderholt told show host Jody Hice.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the bill “radical” and argued it would “kick millions of Americans off the voting rolls.” Democrats are especially concerned about provisions requiring proof of citizenship to register, which they say could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly minorities, the elderly, and married women whose documents don’t match due to name changes.
While some Democrats, like Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), support standalone voter ID laws, they oppose the SAVE Act because it restricts mail-in voting and allows DHS access to voter data, which they argue goes beyond election integrity and infringes on privacy, they say.
Republicans, including Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), counter that the bill is “common sense” and point out Democrats require photo ID for their own political events. However, with unified Democratic opposition, the bill is expected to be blocked via filibuster.
Photo ID should be required, but the process of getting there shouldn’t be labor-intensive for the electorate. It should require an un-government-like approach, free from the burdens of excessive forms and waiting areas and with requirements that are firm but minimal, Aderholt said.
“I don't want this to be something that's complicated. It shouldn't be where ID is very difficult to get.”
State-issued driver’s licenses, a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID or government employee ID are among the most commonly used forms when ID is required for certain activities.
Presently, the process for obtaining an ID varies by state but generally requires proof of identity – a U.S. birth certificate, passport or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement or bank statement.
Pulling the rug out from under Democrats
Republicans can weaken the Democrats’ argument against the SAVE America Act if the GOP can present a plan to simplify the means of securing acceptable ID.
“I think everyone has some kind of ID, but we need to make a program in each state so that anybody who wants a voter ID can easily have an identification. That will take away any argument that you have about saying that people will be disenfranchised from voting,” Aderholt said.
The plan should require patience – lots of it – on the part of the government.
“Give a grace period, let people get an ID very easily, no red tape, no piles of paperwork,” he said, “just show them that you’re an American citizen then go in and get an ID, and you can vote.”
