Blocking Wisconsinites from Voting: 5 Facts about the SAVE Act

Voting rights advocates in the state are sounding the alarm over what they call one of the most restrictive pieces of election legislation in recent memory. It’s the SAVE Act and there’s concern it could end up blocking Wisconsinites from voting. Wisconsin League of Women Voters Executive Director Debra Cronmiller joined Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach, hosts of Matenaer on Air, to facts about the impact the bill could have – particularly on seniors, young voters, low-income residents, and members of Native and trans communities.

“This is a big deal,” Cronmiller says. “People need to understand what’s at stake.”

---

Listen to the entire conversation here:

---

What is the SAVE Act?

The SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) passed in the House, advancing to the U.S. Senate. It would require voters to provide one of only three forms of citizenship documentation: a valid U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or naturalization papers.

Driver’s licenses, tribal IDs, and Real ID-compliant documents would no longer be accepted as proof of citizenship.

“That might sound straightforward,” Cronmiller explains. “But it excludes millions of Americans who don’t have access to those documents, particularly birth certificates or passports.”

Could Millions be Affected in Wisconsin?

According to data shared by Common Cause Wisconsin, 3.2 million Wisconsinites do not have a passport. More than 1 million of those residents are married women, and many could face obstacles if their documents show different names due to marriage or divorce.

Listeners called in to the show with specific questions. Some asked whether their passport with a married name would be an allowed form of documentation (it would be). And others wondered what to do if they’ve lost their birth certificate or never received one.

“Even something as simple as moving from one apartment to another could require re-registering in person with proof of citizenship,” Cronmiller replies. “The bill would eliminate online voter registration entirely.”

Impact on Vulnerable Populations?

The proposed law could especially burden elderly voters in assisted living, transient populations like students and military families, and Native Americans whose tribal IDs, which are currently accepted, but do not include place of birth.

“Tribal members would suddenly need a separate birth certificate,” Cronmiller explains. “That’s not easy for everyone.”

A Poll Tax by Another Name?

Cost is a real concern, beyond the bureaucratic hurdles. Replacing a lost birth certificate or applying for a passport can run from $20 to more than $130.

“That’s money some people just don’t have,” Matenaer says. “If you need to spend money to vote, isn’t that a poll tax?”

Cronmiller agrees. 

“It absolutely functions that way,” she responds. “And we already know there’s no evidence of widespread voter fraud. None. Wisconsin taxpayers had to foot the $2 million bill after the 2020 election looking for it, and found zero.”

What can you do?

The bill still has to pass the Senate to become law, and Cronmiller is urging listeners to act now.

“Contact your state senators – Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson – and tell them this isn’t acceptable,” she suggests. “Voting is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can pay for paperwork.”

Cronmiller also encourages Wisconsinites to check their registration status and begin gathering documents now, just in case.

“If you don’t have a birth certificate, request one,” she says. “If you’ve been thinking about getting a passport and you can afford it, now might be the time.”