ID proof necessary to protect future U.S. elections from nonresidents voting

Tom Slade

Submitted photo

OPINION — I wrote an editorial about the necessity of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act dated April 28, 2026, and have since been reading editorials stating things that were not stated or mentioned in my editorial. The most common expression is about noncitizens voting in prior elections, which was not mentioned or stated as a concern.

Given this reaction to my opinion, it is obvious that I hit the nail right on the head. I believe we need the SAVE Act because the prior administration let millions of undocumented migrants walk across the border and disappear into the country.

My concern is that in future national elections it is likely that without a requirement of proof of citizenship noncitizens will vote in large numbers. With no valid ID required to vote, what will stop them?

The baseline, not the exception, for voting in most countries of the world is that a voter proves identity (and therefore citizenship) before casting a ballot. Examples of countries that require voter ID include Mexico, India, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Israel, Italy, Canada and Brazil. A comprehensive list cannot be provided due to space constraints. According to my research, at least 176 nations or jurisdictions require valid voter ID to cast a ballot.

Should not the United States require voter ID as well to protect our democracy?

Poll numbers vary but most show support for the SAVE Act, from a small majority, 65% (McLaughlin & Associates), to a large majority, 71% (Act for America), including 50% of Democrats and 91% of Republicans.

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