House Republicans Pass Voting Restriction Bill

The SAVE Act aims to make it harder for Americans to register and vote, raising concerns about voter suppression.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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House Republicans have passed the SAVE Act, a bill that would impose strict new requirements for voter registration and identification. The bill is currently pending in the Senate and has 49 Republican co-sponsors. Critics argue the SAVE Act is not about protecting elections from fraud, but rather making it more difficult for Democratic voters to cast their ballots, effectively amounting to a modern-day poll tax.

Why it matters

The SAVE Act goes beyond previous voter ID laws by requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID to cast a ballot. This would disproportionately impact marginalized communities, such as the poor and elderly, who may lack easy access to the necessary documentation. Voting rights advocates warn the bill could suppress tens of thousands of legitimate votes, undermining the democratic process.

The details

The SAVE Act would end registration by mail and online, requiring voters to show proof of citizenship to election officials in person when registering. It would also make it difficult to conduct voter registration drives. Additionally, voters would have to bring their passport or birth certificate every time they need to reregister, such as after moving. The bill's proponents claim it is necessary to prevent voter fraud, but studies have shown voter fraud is extremely rare and does not impact election outcomes.

  • The SAVE Act was passed by the House on February 12, 2026.
  • The bill is currently pending in the Senate, where it has 49 Republican co-sponsors.

The players

House Republicans

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act, a bill that aims to impose new restrictions on voter registration and identification.

Donald Trump

The former president has expressed support for measures that would make it harder for voters to cast their ballots, arguing without evidence that voter fraud is a widespread problem.

Steve Bannon

The former Trump advisor has made statements indicating the Republican party's desire to control who can vote, rather than letting voters choose their representatives.

Barack Obama

The former president has voiced opposition to the SAVE Act, which he sees as a threat to voting rights.

Hillary Clinton

The former secretary of state has pointed out the disproportionate burden the SAVE Act would place on women who have changed or hyphenated their names.

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What they’re saying

“The SAVE Act is, pure and simple, a poll tax.”

— Joyce Vance, Author (substack.com)

“You shouldn't have to jump through hoops and pay over $100 to be able to vote—it's a right, not a privilege.”

— Joyce Vance, Author (substack.com)

“The SAVE Act is a massive attack on voting rights from a party that doesn't want every American to be able to vote.”

— Joyce Vance, Author (substack.com)

What’s next

The SAVE Act must still pass the Senate, where it currently has 49 Republican co-sponsors. Voting rights advocates are urging the public to contact their senators and voice their opposition to the bill.

The takeaway

The SAVE Act represents a concerted effort by Republicans to make it harder for Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities, to exercise their fundamental right to vote. This bill, if passed, would undermine the integrity of the democratic process and must be vigorously opposed by all who believe in the principle of free and fair elections.