SAVE Act Could Rule Out Online Registration and Widen Voter Access Gaps

The SAVE Act would require in-person presentation of documents to register to vote, effectively ending online and mail registration. The Brennan Center estimates more than 21 million voting-age Americans lack the documents needed to register under the act. An Axios analysis shows the average American is about 20 minutes from the nearest election office, with rural residents averaging longer drives (roughly 49 minutes) and Apache County, AZ residents around 2.5 hours. The act's definition of 'appropriate elections official' is unclear, and access could hinge on office hours. Supporters say it boosts security; opponents warn it harms accessibility. The bill is stalled in the Senate, though several Republican states are pursuing similar measures.