The Republican Party of Florida praised the Florida Legislature for passing its own state version of the SAVE Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship and a photo ID to register to vote and participate in elections.
“Floridians deserve absolute confidence that every legal vote counts and that our elections are secure,” Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said in a statement. “Showing ID is required for countless everyday activities — from buying alcohol to boarding a plane — yet Democrats claim verifying eligibility to vote is somehow too much to ask. That argument simply doesn’t hold up.”
The SAVE Act would mandate that election officials verify voter citizenship through government databases when they register to vote or update their registration, or during voter list maintenance.
If a voter's eligibility is still uncertain, they would be asked to prove their citizenship.
Student ID also would no longer be accepted as a means to vote. Notably, Florida's version of election integrity is similar to the SAVE America Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The U.S. Senate has yet to pass the bill, but a vote is expected next week.
Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the legislation before its passing in a social media post this week.
"The Florida version of the SAVE Act is about to pass the Legislature. Although Florida has already enacted much of what the federal legislation contemplates, this will further fortify our state as the leader in election integrity," DeSantis wrote.
Sen. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) sponsored the bill in the Senate, which passed 27-12. Reps. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers) and Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce) sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives, which passed 77-28 before being approved in the Senate.
“This commonsense legislation strengthens voter confidence and protects the integrity of Florida’s elections," Power added.
If approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the bill would take effect on Jan. 1.
Notably, the SAVE Act would not take effect until after the midterm elections.
As a citizen of our great country, I find it inadmisible to withhold information regarding the names and party affiliation of the nay voters. As a conscientious voter I want to keep track of how well and who is best representing my interests in the local, state and federal arenas. Especially, as we approach the most crucial elections since the onset of our Republic.