Voter Suppression Alert: The SAVE Act Affects You Too—Contact Congress TODAY!
Sisters,
There’s a bill in Congress right now that could stop millions of us from voting—including those of us who are already registered. I told you about the SAVE Act when it was first introduced (and defeated) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Legislators have brought it back, and every woman of color needs to understand what’s at stake.
The SAVE Act: A Trap for Already-Registered Voters
The SAVE Act is a voter suppression tactic—plain and simple. The proposed law doesn’t just impact new voters. It creates barriers for anyone already registered to vote if and when they need to update their voter registration.
The SAVE Act would require documents to prove you are an American citizen (passport or certified birth certificate) every time you:
- Move to a new address
- Change your name after marriage or divorce
- Switch your political party
- Update anything on your registration
Think you’re safe because you’re registered now? Think again.
Why This Is Voter Suppression?
Voter suppression is anything that imposes rules and restrictions that make it hard, or even impossible, for most folks to legally vote. The SAVE Act is chock full of requirements that will make it harder for most citizens to vote. For example, the SAVE Act requires documents to prove citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, but:
- Nearly 60% of Americans don’t have passports
- Certified birth certificates cost $25-$50 and the process could take weeks
- Over 60 million women have changed their names through marriage or divorce
- For women of color facing economic barriers, these aren’t minor inconveniences—they’re designed to shut us out
The proposed legislation also includes sections that would remove decision-making power from communities. This bill would destroy the community-based infrastructure that empowers our communities because under the proposed law:
- Churches couldn’t help members register after Sunday service
- Community organizations couldn’t run registration drives
- Barbershops and salons couldn’t register customers on the spot
- Campus groups couldn’t help students register between classes
✊🏾 This is about dismantling the power we’ve built together. ✊🏾
🚨 YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED NOW 🚨
Your Senators need to hear from constituents about how voter registration barriers affect real people. They work for you—and they need to know what matters to you.
Contact Your U.S. Senators Today: (202) 224-3121
What to say:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name] from [City]. I’m calling about the SAVE Act. As a woman of color, I’m deeply concerned about how documentary proof requirements would affect my community’s ability to participate in democracy. I urge you to oppose measures that make it harder for eligible voters to register or stay registered.”
After You Call:
- 📱 Text 3 friends and ask them to call
- ✅ Check your registration at Vote.org
- 💬 Share this message with your community on social media
What’s at Stake
If this becomes law, you could be turned away from updating your registration because you don’t have the “right” documents. Your daughter might not be able to register. Millions of eligible voters—disproportionately women of color—will be locked out.
Don’t wait until you need to move and can’t update your registration. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Call your Senators. Share this information. Make your voice heard.
We are powerful. We are informed. And together, WE CAN protect our right to vote.
In solidarity,
Dr. Stephanie, WE CAN Founder