The integrity of our election system is under unprecedented threat. The growing concern over noncitizens and illegal aliens voting in U.S. elections poses a clear and present danger to our democracy. Federal law explicitly prohibits noncitizens from registering to vote, yet without robust safeguards like signature verification and photo ID, there is no effective mechanism to ensure only eligible citizens cast ballots. But how do we know who is voting? What measures are in place to verify that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote—especially in states like Maryland?
The Case for the SAVE Act
Surrounded by lawmakers and election integrity watchdogs, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson recently emphasized the urgent need for the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This newly proposed legislation aims to close significant loopholes in the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)—a law passed over 30 years ago when bipartisan consensus still supported strong borders and secure elections.
The SAVE Act would:
- Require proof of citizenship before automatic voter registration at state departments of motor vehicles and other agencies.
- Mandate states to remove foreign nationals from their voter rolls, a task many election officials have neglected or resisted.
Under current law, the NVRA does not require direct proof of citizenship for voter registration, leaving the door open for fraud and manipulation. This gap in election security has created an urgent need for legislative reform.
Why Election Integrity Is at Risk
Maryland, like many states, lacks a clear mechanism to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registering and voting. Given the unprecedented influx of foreign nationals—many from countries hostile to American interests—this is not an abstract concern. Without proper safeguards, the risk to election integrity is real.
The rule of law sets the United States apart from other nations. It is the foundation that attracts immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity. However, when we fail to uphold election laws, we undermine the very system that makes our country a beacon of democracy. The most destructive thing we can do to a republic is erode faith in its elections. If voters cannot trust the outcome of elections, democracy itself is at risk.
Polling in Maryland confirms that 65% of voters believe that only U.S. citizens should be allowed to register and vote. This widespread public concern underscores the need for stronger election safeguards.
A Better Way Forward: Paper Ballots & Voter ID
Election integrity does not require complex technology—it requires common sense reforms:
- Paper ballots are a proven, reliable method of voting. Last week, Germany efficiently counted 100% of 50 million paper ballots in under eight hours, demonstrating that hand-counted elections can be both secure and fast. There is no need for electronic voting machines that are vulnerable to hacking, malfunction, or manipulation.
- Strict voter ID laws ensure that only eligible citizens vote.
- Same-day counting eliminates vulnerabilities associated with prolonged ballot processing and electronic interference.
Germany’s model proves that efficient election integrity isn’t rocket science—it simply requires political will and a commitment to safeguarding democracy. The SAVE Act represents a critical opportunity to restore confidence in American elections. For members of Congress, this may be the most important vote of their careers—a vote that determines whether the United States continues as a functioning democracy or falls into electoral chaos.
It’s time to modernize U.S. elections without compromising security. The American people deserve nothing less.