Trump-Backed SAVE Act Proposals Are Popular With Americans

Polls show that most Americans support measures such as requiring ID to vote.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Several proposals in the SAVE Act, a bill backed by President Donald Trump that would change election rules nationwide, are broadly popular with Americans, according to recent polling. The bill would require Americans to present documentary proof of citizenship when applying to register for federal elections and prohibit states from accepting or processing a federal voter registration application unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of registration.

Why it matters

The Senate is expected to begin debate on the SAVE Act, also known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, this week—potentially as early as Tuesday. The bill passed the House earlier in March, mostly along party lines. It has drawn staunch criticism from Democrats who believe it would make it more difficult for Americans to vote, but Republicans say it would not do so and only make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to vote.

The details

The bill would require Americans to present documentary proof of citizenship when applying to register for federal elections in an attempt to prevent undocumented immigrants from participating in them. It would prohibit states from accepting or processing a federal voter registration application unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of registration. For mail registrants, applicants who used the federal mail form would be required to present that proof in person at an election office by the applicable deadline—or at the polling place in jurisdictions that allow same-day registration, with states required to notify applicants of the requirement. It would also require states to ensure that only U.S. citizens remain on voter rolls.

  • The Senate is expected to begin debate on the SAVE Act this week, potentially as early as Tuesday.
  • The bill passed the House earlier in March.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who has backed the SAVE Act.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader who has said the bill will be brought to the Senate floor this week for debate.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who has said that not a single Democrat will support the SAVE Act, calling it a "radical bill".

Ally Triolo

The Republican National Committee's election integrity communications director who told Newsweek that the SAVE America Act is "commonsense legislation backed by overwhelming public support".

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What they’re saying

“The Save America Act is one of the most IMPORTANT & CONSEQUENTIAL pieces of legislation in the history of Congress, and America itself. NO MORE RIGGED ELECTIONS! Voter I.D., Proof of Citizenship, No Rigged Mail-In Voting (We are the only Country in the World that allows this!), No Men in Women's Sports, No Transgender MUTILIZATION of our Children. 90% to 99% ISSUES ALL! Only sick, demented, or deranged people in the House or Senate could vote against THE SAVE AMERICA ACT. If they do, each one of these points, separately, will be used against the user in his/her political campaign for office - A guaranteed loss!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“Not a single Democrat will support the SAVE Act. It is a radical bill. And if Republicans try to burn time on this legislation here on the floor, we will oppose them for as long as it takes. Donald Trump and Senate Republicans know their numbers are sinking badly. They know the American people are souring on their agenda. They know that with each passing day, their prospects for November get worse.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (Senate floor speech)

“The SAVE America Act is commonsense legislation backed by overwhelming public support. Polls consistently show over 80% of Americans support voter ID requirements. Republicans are fighting to pass this bill because they're actually listening to what voters are saying. But every Democrat in the Senate is going to vote against this bill because they would rather make it easier to cheat in our elections.”

— Ally Triolo, Republican National Committee's election integrity communications director (Newsweek)

What’s next

Debate on the SAVE Act could begin as early as Tuesday.

The takeaway

This bill has drawn strong partisan reactions, with Republicans arguing it is commonsense legislation to protect election integrity and Democrats claiming it would create new barriers for eligible voters. The outcome of the Senate debate will have significant implications for the future of U.S. elections.