Documentary proof of citizenship is a voting registration requirement that asks prospective voters to show official documents — such as a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate — to confirm citizenship. Federal law currently allows voters to simply attest to their citizenship on the registration form. Several states have implemented their own documentary proof requirements, but federal legislation like the SAVE Act would extend this requirement nationally to all federal elections.
The SAVE Act's documentary proof requirement sits at the center of the March 2026 Senate debate, with supporters arguing it prevents illegal voting and opponents arguing it would block millions of eligible citizens who lack easy access to these documents from registering.
The SAVE Act's documentary proof requirement sits at the center of the March 2026 Senate debate, with supporters arguing it prevents illegal voting and opponents arguing it would block millions of eligible citizens who lack easy access to these documents from registering.