Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall called for the immediate passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act on the Senate floor this afternoon. The SAVE Act aims to protect election integrity by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote.

Marshall emphasized the importance of ensuring that only American citizens participate in elections, citing recent instances where noncitizens registered to vote in states like Virginia, Texas, and Oregon. He argued that requiring proof of citizenship is a common-sense measure.

"Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic," said Marshall. "Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced."

He noted that many Americans have lost confidence in election security and worry about their votes being diluted by noncitizens. "We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots," he added.

Marshall pointed out broad public support for voter ID requirements: "Nearly 80% of Americans – Democrats, Republicans, independents – all agree on this simple requirement." He compared voting to other activities that require identification such as driving or boarding a plane.

"Protecting this right isn’t controversial; it’s common sense," Marshall stated. He also highlighted concerns about illegal immigrants potentially affecting the electoral process due to their significant numbers in the U.S.

Marshall cited examples from Texas, Virginia, and Oregon where noncitizens were found on voting rosters and mentioned localities like California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington D.C., which allow noncitizen voting in local elections. He called this an immediate threat to democracy.

"This is a nonpartisan American issue," Marshall concluded. "Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness."

With 40 days left until what he described as "the most consequential election in our lifetime," Marshall urged Congress to act swiftly: "Our republic depends on it."