SAVE Act Fails to Advance in the Senate, Preserving Access to the Ballot

By Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager, Our Homes, Our Votes 
 

In a significant development, the U.S. Senate did not advance the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act,” halting what would have been one of the most restrictive federal voting measures in recent history. The bill, which previously passed the House, would have required documentary proof of citizenship to register or update voter registration, creating substantial barriers for millions of eligible voters, particularly low-income renters, seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color. 

Advocates and civil rights organizations widely opposed the SAVE Act, warning that it would impose unnecessary and burdensome documentation requirements that many eligible voters may not readily have access to, while also undermining voter registration efforts that are critical for reaching historically marginalized communities. The Senate’s failure to advance the bill marks an important moment in the ongoing fight to protect access to the ballot, though similar efforts are expected to continue at both the federal and state levels. 

Throughout this process, NLIHC and our partners in the nonpartisan Our Homes, Our Votes (OHOV) campaign have been actively engaged in opposing the SAVE Act and elevating its potential impact on low-income renters. NLIHC joined more than 130 national, state, and local organizations in a sign-on letter urging Congress to reject the legislation, while continuing to educate policymakers and partners about the consequences of restricting voter access for communities already facing housing instability. NLIHC President and CEO also issued a statement applauding efforts to not advance this legislation and reinforcing the importance of protecting voting rights as a core component of housing justice.  

“NLIHC applauds the U.S. Senate’s failure to advance the SAVE Act, which would have deepened the affordable housing crisis by restricting the voting rights of renters with low incomes. This bill sought to undermine a shared vision of a multiracial, inclusive democracy—one that Americans across the country support and are working to strengthen by expanding access to the ballot,” said NLIHC President and CEO Renee M. Willis. “We thank Senate champions who continue to reject legislation like the SAVE Act that enables voter suppression. We urge continued support for policies like the 'John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,' which are essential to ensuring that renters with low incomes can build the political will needed to advance bold, lasting solutions to the affordable housing crisis. Affordable housing is built with ballots. The failure to advance the SAVE Act is a step toward removing the barriers that too many renters with low incomes face when exercising their fundamental right to vote and to secure a stable, safe, and affordable home.” 

NLIHC’s OHOV nonpartisan campaign has worked to ensure that our network remains informed, prepared, and equipped to respond to emerging threats to civic participation. This includes sharing timely updates, providing tools and resources for compliant voter engagement, and supporting partners in integrating civic participation into their housing work. At a moment when access to the ballot continues to be challenged, this work remains critical to ensuring that renters, especially those most impacted by housing instability, are not left out of the democratic process.  

While the Senate’s action represents an important development, it does not mark the end of efforts to restrict voting access. We will continue to monitor developments, advocate for equitable access to the ballot, and support our partners in advancing nonpartisan civic engagement.

Join us for the next OHOV webinar on Monday, May 11, to stay connected and updated on the SAVE Act and more. Learn more and register here.