Sen. Collins Backs GOP's Voter ID Bill, With One Condition

The Maine senator supports the SAVE America Act but opposes eliminating the filibuster.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Senate Republicans have gained a key ally in their effort to pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which would require voter ID for federal elections. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, announced her support for the House-passed version of the bill, but said she opposes eliminating the legislative filibuster, a move that some conservatives have pushed for to overcome Democratic resistance.

Why it matters

The SAVE America Act is part of a broader Republican push for stricter voting rules, including voter ID requirements, which supporters say will improve election security but critics argue will disenfranchise certain voters. Collins' support gives Senate Republicans a slim majority to advance the bill, but they still face hurdles to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

The details

The SAVE America Act, led by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently passed the House. Collins said she supports the House version, which would require voters to provide ID at the polls, a policy she argues will "improve the security of our federal elections." However, Collins opposes eliminating the legislative filibuster, which some Republicans have pushed for to bypass Democratic opposition. Collins said the filibuster is an "important protection" for the minority party.

  • The SAVE America Act recently passed the House.
  • Collins announced her support for the House-passed version of the bill on February 15, 2026.

The players

Sen. Susan Collins

A Republican senator from Maine who has announced her support for the SAVE America Act, but opposes eliminating the legislative filibuster.

Sen. Mike Lee

A Republican senator from Utah who has led the campaign to pass the SAVE America Act.

Sen. John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader who has reiterated that the GOP does not have the votes to eliminate the filibuster.

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What they’re saying

“The law is clear that in this country only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections.”

— Sen. Susan Collins (The Maine Wire)

“Having people provide an ID at the polls, just as they have to do before boarding an airplane, checking into a hotel, or buying an alcoholic beverage, is a simple reform that will improve the security of our federal elections and will help give people more confidence in the results.”

— Sen. Susan Collins (The Maine Wire)

“I oppose eliminating the legislative filibuster. The filibuster is an important protection for the rights of the minority party that requires Senators to work together in the best interest of the country.”

— Sen. Susan Collins (The Maine Wire)

What’s next

The Senate will need to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold to pass the SAVE America Act, even with Collins' support. Some Republicans have pushed to eliminate the filibuster, but Collins and other GOP senators have said they oppose that move.

The takeaway

The SAVE America Act's voter ID requirement is part of a broader Republican push for stricter voting rules, which supporters say will improve election security but critics argue will disenfranchise certain voters. Collins' support gives Senate Republicans a slim majority to advance the bill, but they still face significant hurdles to overcome the filibuster and pass the legislation.