Don’t be fooled by the ’SAVE Act.’ It threatens our democracy.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in a 220-208 vote last week, threatening the right of millions of voters to have their voices heard. The legislation, despite its misleading name, aims to disenfranchise many voters, particularly people of color and women, by imposing burdensome requirements such as providing passports or birth certificates for voter registration. This could prevent citizens without these documents from voting and create obstacles for those who have changed their names or live in rural areas. The SAVE Act is part of a larger trend of voter suppression efforts that have been increasing in recent years, disproportionately affecting communities of color.

The justification for the law, rooted in unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, is a pretext for voter suppression. The Center for American Progress reports that around 146 million American citizens do not own a passport, highlighting the potential impact of the legislation. The NAACP has been actively opposing such attempts to silence voters, emphasizing the importance of protecting voting rights as a fundamental aspect of democracy.

The SAVE Act is not an isolated initiative but part of a broader erosion of democracy, as seen in recent actions by Congress and the administration. The NAACP urges Congress to reject the SAVE Act and instead pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to safeguard voting rights and prevent discriminatory practices.

The John Lewis act seeks to restore protections against voter discrimination and ensure equal participation in elections, addressing the loopholes that undermine fair voting practices. Named after the late civil rights activist John Lewis, the act emphasizes the importance of every citizen’s voice in shaping policies and the future of the nation. Protecting voting rights is not a partisan issue but a fundamental American principle that should be upheld.

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, has been leading efforts to combat systemic oppression and advocate for marginalized communities. Under his leadership, the NAACP has launched various campaigns to address inequities and promote social justice. It is crucial to take action to protect voting rights and uphold the integrity of democracy before it is too late.