Three Republican lawmakers representing Carroll County in the Maryland General Assembly are urging Congress to pass legislation requiring states to obtain documented proof of citizenship from individuals registering to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.
State Sen. Justin Ready and delegates April Rose and Chris Tomlinson, who represent District 5 in both Carroll and Frederick counties, signed a letter that urges Congress to immediately pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or SAVE Act, introduced by Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a news release from Ready states.
If passed, the SAVE Act would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by requiring states to obtain citizenship documentation. The SAVE Act also gives citizens the power to bring civil lawsuits against election officials who fail to obtain documented proof of citizenship.
Ranking Democrats in Congress have testified against the proposed bill, saying it would make it more difficult for citizens to register to vote.
“This is basic common sense, only citizens should be voting in our elections,” Ready stated in the news release. “I appreciate leaders in Congress like Rep. Roy and Rep. Andy Harris (a Maryland Republican representing District 1) who have elevated this major election security concern.”
The three lawmakers join more than 740 other state legislators from around the country who have stated support for the SAVE Act.
“There is no time to waste,” Rose said in the news release. “Early voting is just around the corner, and the SAVE Act would ensure that only American citizens are participating in American elections or on state voter rolls at all.”
Some Republicans have raised claims that non-citizens voted in the 2020 general election. Those theories have been debunked, as no serious evidence has been provided.
“The SAVE Act should be a no-brainer for anyone who cares about preserving the democratic process,” Tomlinson stated in the release. “We urge its quick passage through the House and Senate.”
In Maryland, the deadline to register to vote online or by mail is Oct. 15. Early voting is set for Oct. 24-31, with polls open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 29 is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot to be delivered by mail; or Nov. 1 if you want to receive your mail-in ballot via email. Election day is Nov. 5. For more information, go to elections.maryland.gov/elections/vote2024/.
