CONGRESSMAN
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., voted Feb. 12 in favor of H.R. 22, known as the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
The bill, introduced by Chip Roy, would also require valid photo identification to vote, mandate in-person verification of citizenship during voter registration, and direct states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls.
In a statement, Cline said he supported the measure as a way to strengthen election security.
“The SAVE Act is a crucial step in preserving the integrity of our elections,” Cline said. “Ensuring that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections is a commonsense safeguard that upholds the rule of law and strengthens public confidence in our democratic system.”
Supporters of the legislation argue that requiring documentary proof of citizenship would close gaps in the voter registration process, including situations in which noncitizens may obtain state-issued identification such as driver’s licenses. Voting in federal elections is limited under federal law to U.S. citizens, though enforcement of proof-of-citizenship requirements has varied by state.
Cline represents Virginia’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
-The Salem Times-Register
