Opinion Pieces

Originally appeared in the Augusta Press
By: Congressman Rick W. Allen

In his latest guest column about the SAVE America Act, I am pleased that John Morris and I agree that only American citizens should decide American elections. He is absolutely correct that this principle is widely shared across parties and across states.

Here’s where we seemingly disagree. Mr. Morris chalks up his main point of contention with the SAVE America Act as a question of “proportional response” or whether the “approach” is worth the “scale of the problem.” Allow me to be crystal clear where I stand: one non-citizen voting in any American election is one too many. That’s why I supported House passage of the SAVE America Act.

For those unfamiliar with the bill, here’s what it does: it requires individuals to present an eligible photo identification document before voting. It requires states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote. And it requires states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls. According to the Pew Research Center, and conveniently left out of Mr. Morris’ column, 83% of Americans support requiring government-issued photo ID. As a member of Congress, I can tell you firsthand that very few issues in American politics demand this type of bipartisanship.

While Mr. Morris is correct that Federal law already bans non-citizens from voting—in no way does that mean it is not happening in some states. As we’ve sadly learned, those who enter our country illegally clearly do not follow our laws. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, at least 10 million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in Federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. It bears repeating, one non-citizen voting in any American election is one too many.

In fact, there is a long list of countries around the world that require voter ID. Why not us? In the United States, you need an ID to drive, to open a bank account, to rent a hotel room, to board a flight, to sign up for government benefits, and to get into the Democrat National Convention. Yet the United States does not federally require a photo ID to vote? We need to fix that, which is exactly why I am also calling on the Senate, including our two Georgia Senators, to pass the SAVE America Act and send it to President Trump’s desk.

Thankfully, here in Georgia, we already require a photo ID to vote. Additionally, in 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation into law further bolstering election integrity in the Peach State. While you may remember the constant fear mongering and hysteria claiming this legislation would make it harder for Georgians to vote, the law actually led to record turnout in 2024.

The way I see it, when voters are confident in their elections, they will go to the polls and exercise their fundamental right to vote. It’s that simple. That’s what the SAVE America Act is all about: restoring confidence in America’s elections. It’s not about disenfranchising anyone; it’s about ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. Mr. Morris, with all due respect, it is common sense.

Representative Rick W. Allen, a Republican, represents Georgia’s 12th Congressional District and supported passage of the SAVE America Act on the House floor.