The Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act passed the US House of Representatives (218-213) on Wednesday, one step away from becoming law. With the bill coming up next in the Senate, debate has reignited whether it would make it harder for married women to vote using their husband’s last name.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach speaks during a House Rules Committee meeting Feb. 10 to consider recently introduced amendments to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, also known as the SAVE Act. (Getty Images via AFP)The biggest change implemented in the SAVE Act is the requirement for proof of citizenship to register to vote. Documents considered proof of citizenship include a birth certificate, a US passport, and certain versions of Real ID. For naturalized citizens, naturalization paperwork is required.
The combination of documents that specify the reservation law has created a major hurdle for married women who do not have passports Notably, YouGov data shows that more than half of all Americans do not have a passport. The problem affects married women using their husband’s surname and not having a passport, as their birth certificate does not contain the name they now use.
Some Democratic lawmakers have also echoed the concern, suggesting that as many as 69 million married American women who use their spouse’s surname may fail to register.
In this article, we will see what documents married women will need to register in the electoral roll using their spouse’s surname.
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Documents required for married womenThe bill itself did not specify an additional document that could clarify the difference between the name on the birth certificate and the current name after marriage. But there is provision for states to accept additional documents in the form of affidavits to clear such discrepancies.
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If and when such discrepancies arise, documents such as certified marriage certificates or court name-change decrees can be used to support claims and clear up discrepancies. However, a marriage certificate and name change certificate are not considered as proof of documents by themselves.
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But this still creates two major problems: First, name change certificates due to marriage are usually not available. Second, those who have been married for a long time may find it difficult to obtain a marriage certificate, as state records may not contain it. In fact, the concern of older women is much higher in this regard.
The Trump administration, however, called the concerns “misguided.” “Democrats are freaking out about this bill, saying married women can’t vote if they change their name. That’s completely wrong,” White House press secretary Hawa said when asked.
However, concerns were not completely assuaged by Leavitt’s assurances. And, also, many are complaining about the extra cost of getting a new marriage certificate and all other related documents that can serve as proof of citizenship.
As of Thursday, February 12, a date for a Senate vote on the legislation had not been set.
