Congress continues to introduce bills that would require voters to present documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register and/or vote. In the 119th Congress, three major pieces of legislation have been introduced to require DPOC to vote, including:
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the House in 2025 and would require citizenship documentation to register to vote, and, more recently The SAVE America Act and the Make Elections Great Again Act, which have even stricter components than the SAVE Act, like requirements for voters to present DPOC both at registration and the polls, and for absentee ballots to be received by election day.
In February, members of the House and Senate introduced new legislation with similar provisions of the SAVE Act. The most popular bill, which was immediately passed by the US House, is the SAVE America Act or SAVE Act 2.0.

The focus has been on spreading mis- and disinformation about voting in our country, largely around non-citizen voting. In fact, it is already illegal for non-citizens to register to vote AND cast a ballot in state and federal elections across the country. In 2016, the Brennan Center for Justice found that across 42 jurisdictions with high immigrant populations, there were only 30 cases of suspected noncitizens voting out of 23.5 million votes cast (.0001%). An audit of Georgia voter rolls found that out of 8.2 million registered voters, there were only 9 instances where a noncitizen cast a ballot. Claims that noncitizen voting is a true threat capitalizes on racism and fear to promote certain politicians’ agendas.(1)

If passed, the SAVE Act legislation would fundamentally change federal election procedures:

Require every voter to register or update their registration IN PERSON.
Mandate proof of citizenship with documents that many don’t have easy access to (e.g., a passport or birth certificate – and legal name change document if name doesn’t match).
Eliminate key registration options like mail-in, online, and third-party voter registration drives.
Establish criminal penalties for election officials who register individuals without the required documentation

The bill’s primary aim is to prevent non-citizens from voting, but in doing so will also present a barrier for millions of American women who have legally changed their name from exercising their right to vote. The right to vote is at the very foundation of our democracy and this bill puts the voting rights of millions of Americans at risk. If passed through the Senate, the bill will impose registration requirements, which would make it extremely difficult for those with a name change to register to vote for the first time or update their voter registration if they move addresses.

Many other communities of eligible voters would be unnecessarily burdened by the requirements of the SAVE Act as well. Among them are:

Military voters, who would be required to present documentation every time they re-register to vote when their family moves.
Families who have been impacted by natural disasters and lost important documentation, who would be required to jump through hoops to replace these documents while also going through the traumatic process of rebuilding their lives.
People of color. Compared to white US citizens, citizens of color are three times more likely to lack documents such as birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship or face difficulties accessing them. For example, while approximately half of all American adults possess a passport, two-thirds of Black Americans do not.

Americans do not need MORE obstacles to vote. The SAVE Act would create one more barrier to the voting process, as many eligible voters do not have easy access to the necessary documents.

It is important to note as American citizens navigating through this critical moment for our democracy, to remember that every action — big or small — moves us closer to the future we deserve. Whether making calls to Congress, registering to vote, or simply talking with friends and family about what’s at stake. Keep pushing, keep organizing, and keep believing in the power of the people.

(1) https://www.lwv.org/blog/save-act-headed-senate-push-restrict-voting-access

Click here to open Preparedness Pamphlet

Go Bag Project

We are currently putting together 50 Go Bags as a service project for underserved families to use in evacuation situations due to a climate crisis or other unforeseen emergency. We are looking for backpacks or duffle bags and critical items that would be needed – such as first aid kits, lighters, flashlights, waterproof document bags, etc. (Wish list)
Also included with the Go Bag will be an educational pamphlet on how to prepare for an emergency, a PDF copy of which is included on this page..

If you are able, we are looking for individuals, businesses and organizations to donate an item (in quantities of 50) that would be of value in a Go Bag, making you a co-sponsor of this project! If easier, we are happy to accept a gift certificate, an online donation, or a check to be used toward the purchase of items needed. With your permission, we will add your name/logo to the webpage and include your involvement in publicity efforts. Contact a Zonta member to get an address for delivery or request pickup. Click here to download the request to donate letter.

Invitation to Sponsor Emergency Preparedness GoBags

Climate Change
3-14-22 climate change