Recent developments in U.S. voter registration processes have emerged from actions taken by Congress and the President, which may significantly alter how individuals register to vote in federal elections. On April 10, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration at the state level. This legislation is now pending approval in the Senate, where it may encounter a filibuster.

The SAVE Act, initially introduced in 2024, seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) by requiring documentary proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote in state-run elections for federal office. Additionally, it mandates that states remove non-citizens from their voter registration lists. While states have the authority to manage voter registration, the NVRA and the proposed SAVE Act exemplify Congress's power to regulate federal election laws as outlined in Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution.

Currently, the NVRA stipulates that voter registration forms must include a statement of eligibility requirements, including citizenship, and an attestation signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury. The SAVE Act proposes that applicants present documentary proof of citizenship, such as a REAL ID card or passport, to election officials by the state’s registration deadline. States may also establish processes for applicants lacking the required documents, including signed attestations of citizenship.

On March 25, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," which aligns with the SAVE Act's requirements. The order asserts the President's authority to mandate that votes be cast and received by the legally established election date. It directs the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to require proof of citizenship in its national mail voter registration form and threatens to withhold federal funds from states that do not comply.

The executive order has prompted legal challenges, with at least seven lawsuits filed against it, including one from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and others from state attorneys general and civil rights organizations. The lawsuits argue that the President lacks constitutional authority to regulate elections, emphasizing that such powers reside with Congress and the states.

Critics of the SAVE Act highlight potential barriers to voting, noting that approximately 21 million eligible voters may lack the necessary identification. Concerns have also been raised regarding the impact on married women whose names may differ from those on their birth certificates. Proponents, however, argue that similar laws in other states have not resulted in disenfranchisement.

These developments reflect ongoing debates about election integrity and access, raising important questions about the balance between safeguarding electoral processes and ensuring equitable participation in democracy.