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FOR WOMEN ONLY! THE SAVE ACT. It is not too early to start calling your Senators. ====================================================== The "SAVE ACT," likely referring to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 22), is a proposed piece of legislation in the United States that would significantly impact women, particularly married women and transgender individuals, by creating barriers to voting. It has already passed in the House this July, and was sent to the Senate. Here's a breakdown of how the SAVE Act could affect women: Disenfranchisement of Married Women: The most significant concern is for married women who have changed their last names. The SAVE Act would require individuals to present in-person proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, when registering to vote or updating their registration. Estimates suggest that tens of millions of American women (as many as 69 million) have taken their spouse's last name, meaning their birth certificate no longer matches their current legal name. Under the proposed law, this name mismatch could make it difficult or impossible for them to prove citizenship with a birth certificate, and obtaining a new passport can be costly and time-consuming. While proponents claim states could create processes for name changes, the bill doesn't explicitly outline these, leading to uncertainty and potential for disparate application. Increased Burden and Costs: The bill would eliminate common and convenient methods of voter registration, such as online, mail-in, and registration drives, forcing people to register in person. This creates a burden for all voters, but especially for those in rural areas, those with limited transportation, or those with disabilities. Obtaining new or updated documents like passports can incur significant costs ($130-$236 for a passport, up to $400 for a birth certificate name change, and even higher for a Certificate of Citizenship), disproportionately affecting low-income women and women of color who already face higher poverty rates. Voter Suppression Allegations: Opponents argue that the SAVE Act is a form of voter suppression disguised as an effort to prevent non-citizen voting, which is already illegal and rare. They contend that the real aim is to make it harder for specific demographics, including women, to exercise their right to vote. The bill's disproportionate impact on women is seen by many as a targeted effort to silence a significant portion of the electorate. Strain on Election Workers: The bill includes penalties for election workers, a predominantly women-led workforce, who would be tasked with enforcing these complex new rules. This adds pressure and potential legal risks to workers who have already faced harassment and threats. In essence, while the stated goal of the SAVE Act is to safeguard voter eligibility, critics argue that its practical effect, particularly on women who have changed their names, would be to create significant new hurdles to voter registration and participation, potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible citizens.