Over a quarter-million noncitizens on the rolls: Why the SAVE America Act can’t wait

Multiple states across the country have acknowledged that illegal immigrants have appeared on their voter rolls and, in some cases, have cast ballots. Regardless of the number, these cases reinforce what many Americans have long believed: election integrity matters. Confidence in our elections is essential to maintaining trust in our republic, and South Carolinians deserve […]

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Multiple states across the country have acknowledged that illegal immigrants have appeared on their voter rolls and, in some cases, have cast ballots. Regardless of the number, these cases reinforce what many Americans have long believed: election integrity matters. Confidence in our elections is essential to maintaining trust in our republic, and South Carolinians deserve to know that election laws are being enforced and that only eligible citizens are voting.

Here in South Carolina, we’ve taken that responsibility seriously. Our General Assembly has passed strong election integrity laws to make our elections among the most secure in the nation. To vote in South Carolina, you must present a current and valid photo ID. For years, I have fought to protect our elections and successfully defended our voter ID law in federal court. Despite claims from the Left, this law does not disenfranchise lawful voters. It protects every legal vote. South Carolina has helped lead the way on election integrity, but Congress must now do its part to secure our federal elections.

The SAVE America Act should not be controversial. This basic election law would establish nationwide citizenship verification, strengthen voter roll maintenance, and require commonsense voter identification to help ensure that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections.

The American people are already well ahead of Washington on this issue. A recent poll found that roughly 8 in 10 registered voters support requiring photo ID both to register and to cast a ballot. Fox News polling has consistently found at least 77% support for voter ID since 2011. This isn’t a partisan issue. Ninety-five percent of Republicans, 77% of independents, and even 62% of Democrats support voter ID requirements.

Yet instead of advancing legislation backed by an overwhelming majority of Americans, Democrats continue to delay while heading into another election cycle. At the same time, concerns about voter eligibility continue to grow. A review of state voter rolls and public records by the Department of Homeland Security identified approximately 278,000 noncitizens registered to vote in federal elections.

OPINION: NO VACATION, NO EXCUSES: THE 82% WINNER SITTING ON THE SENATE FLOOR

Protecting the ballot box begins with enforcing the law. Congress has a responsibility to protect every legal vote, ensure that only eligible citizens participate in our elections, and strengthen public confidence in the integrity of our election system.

Now more than ever, Congress should pass the SAVE America Act.

Alan Wilson is the attorney general of South Carolina.