State Rep. Glenn Thompson and state Sen. Mike McCormick would have us believe that non-citizens are committing election fraud by voting illegally. Both back the SAVE America Act — legislation requiring you and me to provide documentation of citizenship each time we vote, whether in person or by mail.

Why?

The idea that election security requires proof of citizenship every time we vote rests on the assertion that non-citizens are voting. Which is just not true. Numerous reputable studies conclude that voting by non-citizens is extremely rare, demonstrating that the election safeguards now in place are very effective.

What’s more, we already have a law that makes it illegal for non-citizens to vote. And it carries significant penalties. So they don’t.

To some, providing proof of citizenship may seem a “minor” inconvenience. The Brennan Center for Justice found in a 2023 survey, however, that for many legitimate reasons 21.3 million citizens don’t have ready access to proof of American citizenship. People of color, young people, and married women make up a big part of this group. For these citizens, this “minor” inconvenience could keep them from voting.

So why are Thompson and McCormick pushing for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist? Especially when it makes it harder for millions of Americans, including many Pennsylvanians, to vote?

Given the SAVE America Act’s underlying falsehood and the likelihood the bill will result in voter suppression, one has to wonder who they are looking out for if not for us.

Ron Williams

Pennsylvania Furnace