PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) –On Thursday, Governor Larry Rhoden and the America First Policy Institute’s Governors’ Council sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging them to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. You can find the letter here.
“Protecting the security of American elections is among the most basic responsibilities and fundamental duties of those elected to represent the American people,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “The SAVE America Act is a commonsense measure seeking to ensure that American elections are decided by, and only by, American citizens. Our constituents deserve to know that their votes are protected and that elections in this country are free, fair, and secure.”
While most states require photo identification to vote in federal elections, 14 states currently do not. This absence of appropriate safeguards hinders the integrity of our election system. The SAVE Act would establish clear and consistent standards to strengthen election security nationwide. The resources required and timeline for implementation are both reasonable and achievable.
“We recognize that implementation of the SAVE America Act must be carried out appropriately, with adequate resources and reasonable timelines,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “We are committed to partnering with our state election officials to ensure that no eligible American citizen is unduly burdened in exercising their right to vote.”
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joins the America First Policy Institute’s Attorneys General Council in urging U.S. Senate leadership to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
“This is common-sense legislation to protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring only U.S. citizens are registered to vote,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I appreciate the efforts of South Dakota Sen. Thune, as the Senate Majority Leader, to bring this important issue to a vote.”
Attorney General Jackley also promoted election integrity in this year’s South Dakota Legislature. The Attorney General Jackley introduced Senate Bill 17, whichprohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national. The measure unanimously passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor.
The SAVE America Act would:
- Ensure voting in federal elections is reserved for U.S. citizens by making the ID requirement enforceable.
- Establish a federal citizenship baseline without displacing state election administration.
- Require documentary proof of citizenship and applies equally to all registrants.