RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he will bring the SAVE America Act to the Senate floor next week. The bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.<\/p>\n
The move comes as President Trump has said he will not sign other legislation until the measure passes. Trump has also called for an end to mail-in ballots except in limited circumstances.<\/p>\n
Support and opposition<\/p>\n
Supporters of the bill say it would prevent non-citizen voting, which is already illegal and rare. Opponents contend the measure would disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly women, minorities and young voters.<\/p>\n
Thune said he sees only two explanations for Democratic opposition to the legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can really see only two reasons for Democrats\u2019 opposing this legislation: Either Democrats are just reflexively opposing this proposal because it originated from Republicans. Or Democrats believe that there are in fact people out there voting illegally and that it\u2019s benefiting Democrats. And they want to keep it going,\u201d Thune said.<\/p>\n
Filibuster hurdle<\/p>\n
The measure is likely to fall short unless the Senate changes its filibuster rules, which require 60 votes to advance most legislation. Thune has dismissed calls to alter the filibuster.<\/p>\n
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