How the SAVE Act could affect Ohio voters
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Today is the deadline to register to vote in Ohio's May 5 primary election, a fairly straightforward process Ohioans can complete online.
Yes, but: That could change for future elections if Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
- The bill aims to restrict noncitizen voting in federal elections, which is already exceptionally rare and illegal.
How it works: The proposed law would require people to present proof of citizenship in person to an "appropriate elections official" to register to vote — effectively killing online and mail-in registration.
Friction point: Millions of American citizens of voting age don't have those documents available, such as a birth certificate, Real ID or passport.
- Those who do could still face a long drive to present them.
- Ohioans in some rural areas could face a trip of up to an hour each way, not considering traffic, per an Axios analysis.
What's next: The House has passed multiple versions of the SAVE Act, most recently in February. The bill remains stuck in the Senate.