Freedom to Vote Act Warnock’s Reason for Voting “No”

Thank you for contacting me to share your support for federal legislation that would require Americans to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

As your U.S. Senator, I am committed to upholding the integrity of our elections. Both Federal and Georgia laws strictly prohibit non-citizens from voting, and I stand firmly in support of efforts to strengthen election security and expand voting access for eligible U.S. citizen voters. To that end, I have always believed that it is reasonable for voters to have to identify themselves in order to cast a ballot.

Last Congress, I was also glad to co-lead the introduction of the Freedom to Vote Act, which would create a uniform, nationwide voter ID standard for all states that require voter ID and require states to provide an ID for free. It would also enhance the security of our election systems.  In addition, since coming to the Senate, I have always supported the highest possible level of funding for grants to be distributed to states by the Election Assistance Commission. Grants such as these can be used to maintain and improve election administration and security.

On February 11, 2026, the House of Representatives voted to pass S. 1383, the SAVE America Act. On March 17, 2026, the Senate voted to launch debate on this legislation. Although I support voter ID policies, I am concerned that the SAVE America Act would impose burdensome verification requirements on eligible U.S. citizens. This bill would require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate matching their current legal name, when they register to vote or update their voter registration. Voters would have to present their documentation in-person at an elections office, even if they register online or by mail. As your Senator, I am deeply concerned that this bill would make it so hard to vote that even a driver’s license would not be sufficient to register to vote and present particular challenges to married women who have changed their name as well as voters in rural communities.

In addition to creating new barriers to register to vote, the SAVE America Act would require states to share voter rolls with federal databases and purge their voter rolls at any time, including as late as on Election Day. It would also create new criminal penalties for local poll workers who register someone to vote without proof of citizenship, even if that person is an American citizen.

I believe that Americans should demonstrate that they are who they say they are when they cast their ballot. However, I do not support legislation that unnecessarily burdens eligible, U.S. citizen voters. No matter our difference of opinion on this matter or others, I am committed to being a voice for you and our state in the United States Senate and will work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our elections.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again in the future if I may be of assistance to you or your family.

Sincerely,

Reverend Raphael Warnock
United States Senator