SAVE Act Threatens 105 Years of Women’s Equality
From Seneca Falls in 1848 to the 19th Amendment in 1920, women’s suffrage represents a hard-won journey toward equality. Today, that legacy is at risk due to legislation already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and awaiting action in the Senate, legislation premised on scant evidence of voter fraud. As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day on August 26 and commemorate the 105th anniversary of women establishing their constitutional right to vote, we must ask ourselves why our elected representatives would consider legislation that impinges that right and potentially disenfranchises millions of Americans, especially women.
If enacted, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility “SAVE” Act would make it significantly harder, if not outright impossible, for millions of eligible voters to register or re-register to vote. The SAVE Act would require everyone to register to vote in person – upending the process employed in many states that permit registration and re-registration online or by mail -- and to show a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate (not copy), naturalization or citizenship certificate, or consular report of birth abroad, to prove citizenship. Documents such as Florida’s Real ID driver’s license, military or tribal ID, or marriage certificate would not suffice; in-person documentation may be necessary for Florida voters to renew vote by mail with each new election cycle, as state election law now requires.
Simply put, the SAVE Act will make it harder for the average American citizen to vote.
Eliminating the option to register or re-register online would be an unnecessary inconvenience for most Americans, but for many, it may mean disenfranchisement from this basic civic right. It would significantly and disproportionately disadvantage individuals who lack transportation, cannot take time off from work during business hours, are disabled, or are caregivers. Low income and rural voters also would be forced to jump through needless hoops, as would military families every time they are moved due to reassignment.
A real-world look at the implications for women is staggering. While many people may have or can access a certified birth certificate, millions of Americans legally use a name different from the name on their birth certificate. One of the largest groups of affected voters would be married, widowed or divorced women. Surveys show most women who marry change their surname to match their spouse, and many women resume a prior surname after divorce, These changes are NOT reflected on a birth certificate, rendering ineligible this major form of proof of citizenship. An estimated 60 million married women have changed their names. In Sarasota and Manatee Counties alone, this could directly affect the 221,025 women the 2020 Census showed as married and the 112,365 women who were divorced or widowed.
The SAVE Act does not solve a problem, but rather creates many. Study after study has shown voter fraud almost never occurs, and robust voting and election security provisions – ID requirements, updated registration rolls, certification of results by official canvassing boards, audits of voting machines – already are in place and belie the need for additional burdensome requirements.
Passage of the SAVE Act would create unnecessary burdens on all Americans and reverse hard won gains expanding voting access for generations of women, minorities, and those with disabilities.
The Leagues of Women Voters of Sarasota and of Manatee Counties work to protect every American’s right to vote, and to inform and empower voters to let their voices be heard. We believe this legislation is a solution in search of a crisis, and the real casualty would be your right to vote.
All voters and potential voters should be aware of the Save Act and its potential impact on their voting rights. Challenge Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody to vote in the best interests of all eligible voters and oppose burdensome and unnecessary elections law changes.
Rhonda Peters and Vilia Johnson
Co-Presidents, League of Women Voters of Sarasota County
Ruth Harenchar
President, League of Women Voters of Manatee County
Ashley Brown, CEO of Women’s Resource Center
As we commemorate the 19th amendment, the Women’s Resource Center is partnering with the Leagues of Women Voters of Sarasota and Manatee counties to host an Equality Day Breakfast on Monday, August 26, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at WRC’s Sarasota location. This free event features a community conversation with guest panelists and a continental breakfast. Space is limited and registration is required at www.mywrc.org/equalityday.