American elections belong to American citizens. The right to vote is a sacred privilege of citizenship, and our laws must ensure that only citizens choose our leaders.

The SAVE America Act would strengthen confidence in Pennsylvania’s elections by closing loopholes in existing law. It would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.

These are simple, common-sense protections that honest voters can support, regardless of party.

This bill should not be allowed to die in the Senate. There is more than one way to move it forward. Sen. McCormick and Senate Republicans should enforce a talking filibuster and make Democrats publicly debate their opposition to a bill with broad public support. When debate has run its course, Republicans can use their majority to bring the SAVE America Act to a simple majority vote.

Republicans have the numbers and the responsibility to act. Election integrity is the foundation of our democracy, and this is a fight worth having.

Catherine Schimminger

Altoona