SAVE Act Would Make Voting Harder for Illinois

Media Contacts:
Becky Simon, LWVIL President, communications@lwvil.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL, February 21, 2025 — Congress is about to vote on the SAVE Act, a bill that requires all eligible voters to provide citizenship documentation to register to vote. Founded on the principle that every eligible citizen should have a right to vote, the League of Women Voters of Illinois strongly objects to a law making it more difficult for citizens to participate in government. Under this law, every single American citizen would have to show very specific documents, like a passport or an original birth certificate, in person when registering to vote and anytime they update their voter registration. 

Millions of eligible Illinois voters do not have the documentation required by this law, called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, to prove their citizenship. The requirements of the SAVE Act would unnecessarily burden many communities of eligible voters. 

Kathy Cortez, the League of Women Voters of Illinois’ Vice President for Advocacy, notes, “We have over 9 million citizens of voting age in Illinois, all of whom would likely be negatively impacted by this law at some point in their lives. Americans do not need more obstacles to vote.” 

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Founded in 1919, the League of Women Voters of Illinois is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy and does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. With over 100 years of experience and more than 800 local and state affiliations, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations. Membership in the League is open to people ages 16 and over. For further information, visit lwvil.org.