July 9, 2024
Dear Members of Congress,
On behalf of Independent Women’s Voice, which fights to enhance people’s freedom, opportunities, and well-being, I strongly endorse the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (H.R. 8281), introduced by Representative Chip Roy.
Critically, this legislation requires voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections. At a time when trust in election integrity is declining, and the number of noncitizens residing in the U.S. is rapidly increasing, this simple safeguard is common sense.
According to the White House, they agree. The executive unequivocally states on their website dedicated to ‘Elections and Voting,’
“One of the most important rights of American citizens is the franchise – the right to vote.”
This legislation assures just that – only citizens vote in federal elections.
Guardrails to ensure this practice in reality, and with a high degree of fidelity, is necessary as the U.S. witnessed catastrophically high levels of illegal migration over the last three years. To date, there are over 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., which comprises roughly 3% of the nation’s population. This impacts some states more significantly, leaving their citizens more vulnerable to voter dilution.
In order to combat this, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing voter registration applications for federal elections unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. Additionally, it prohibits states from registering individuals to vote in federal elections without such proof of citizenship at the time of registration; and it mandates an alternative process for applicants to present other evidence of citizenship. The bill also requires the removal of non-citizens from voter lists and allows for private legal action against election officials who register voters without proof of citizenship.
In light of the overwhelming challenges posed by an open border and the imperative to safeguard our citizens’ right to vote, we believe that H.R. 8281 is a vital step towards ensuring the integrity of our democratic processes.
Thank you, Representative Chip Roy, for prioritizing Americans and preserving their rights. We urge the U.S. House to pass this bill immediately and continue to work towards securing our borders, protecting our homeland, and putting American citizens first.
Respectfully,
Meaghan Mobbs
Director, Center for American Safety and Security (CASS)
Independent Women’s Voice