Strengthening election integrity

 The SAVE America Act is a commonsense measure that safeguards our elections by ensuring only American citizens register to vote and participate in our elections.

 Polling from Pew Research shows that 83% of Americans support all voters being required to present a government-issued ID to be permitted to vote. Specifically, 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats support Voter-ID.

 Americans show ID to board a plane or purchase alcohol. Why should showing a photo ID not be required to participate in our elections?

 I’d like to take this opportunity to dispel some common myths about this bill. Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington would rather employ scare tactics instead of facts. Know this: the SAVE America Act ensures procedures are in place to protect your vote, even if you have document discrepancies due to name changes, need to register by mail, have a disability, or if you forget to bring the necessary paperwork on Election Day.

 States would be required to establish a process for voter registration applicants to overcome document discrepancies, such as cases where a married woman changed her name, including by simply signing an affidavit at the poll.

 It is true that this bill requires proof of citizenship to register to vote. Only a photo ID would be required for the act of voting itself. However, it is not true that everyone must have a U.S. passport to register because the bill provides for states to establish various other avenues to prove citizenship, or again, by a signed affidavit.

 This ensures that every citizen who wishes to vote can vote, while protecting the integrity of our election. Importantly, this legislation also requires states to remove ineligible individuals so they cannot cast a ballot in federal elections.

 Our nation was founded upon the ideals of free and fair elections. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to ensuring that each election is free, fair, safe, and legitimate. Only American citizens should vote in our elections.

 If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Portage at (269) 569-8595.