April 9, 2025 • 12 mins
In this powerful episode of Pulse and Politics, host Alana L. Sanders breaks down HR 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, recently introduced in Congress. What sounds like a patriotic move to protect U.S. elections may have deeper implications for voter access and democracy itself. Who does this bill really impact? Are non-citizens voting in federal elections a real problem—or a political distraction?
Join Alana as she explores the bill’s language, its potential effects on Georgia and beyond, and the national conversation it’s sparking around election integrity, voter suppression, and civil rights. This episode includes real-life scenarios, important questions for listeners, and a call to action for those who care about voting rights and fair elections.
Tune in now to learn, question, and engage.
#VotingRights #SAVEAct #HR22 #ElectionIntegrity #PulseAndPolitics #GeorgiaPolitics #SecureTheVoteOrSuppressIt #CivicEngagement #KnowYourRights
Join Alana as she explores the bill’s language, its potential effects on Georgia and beyond, and the national conversation it’s sparking around election integrity, voter suppression, and civil rights. This episode includes real-life scenarios, important questions for listeners, and a call to action for those who care about voting rights and fair elections.
Tune in now to learn, question, and engage.
#VotingRights #SAVEAct #HR22 #ElectionIntegrity #PulseAndPolitics #GeorgiaPolitics #SecureTheVoteOrSuppressIt #CivicEngagement #KnowYourRights
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Stay locked in way news meets the heartbeat.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Of the streets.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
It's pulsing politics with Alina Sanders posting politics. Turn it up,
loud voices that matter, speaking truth right now, from the
city to the world. Got the facts so clear, Elina Sanders.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Keeps it real in here.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Breaking news, get the swoop, state folk, stay tuned politics, say.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Coach, every side, review.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
No spin, just facts in the booth so sharp. Elena
Santa's bringing knowledge where the mic and a spark polsting politics,
turn it up, loud voices that matter, speaking truth right now,
from the city to the world. Got the fact so clear.
Elina Sanders keeps it real in here. That's the post,
that's the truth only on pulsing Politics.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Hello, Hello, how many of you came to Welcome back
to Posts.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
And Politics, where we discect policies, the cold political rhetoric and.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Bring it all home to you the people.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
I'm your host, Elena Sanders, and today we're diving deep,
deep into something that's sparking a lot of controversy across
the country. I'm talking about HR twenty two, also known
as the Save Act. Now, if you haven't heard of
it yet, don't worry. Why because school is in session
(01:39):
and we're breaking it all the way down, all the
way down. So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's
talk about what this bill really means for our elections,
for our rights, and for our future. Let's start with
the basics. What is HR twenty two The SAVE Act.
(02:04):
HR twenty two stands for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
Sounds pretty patriotic, right, but let's unpack.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
What it actually does.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
This bill would require proof of US citizenship when registering
to vote in federal elections. Sounds reasonable on the surface,
After all, only citizens are supposed to vote.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
In US elections. That's what I thought.
Speaker 4 (02:33):
But the deeper you dig, the more complex and controversial
this bill becomes.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Here's what it includes. You're listening.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
It mandates that anyone registering to vote in a federal
election must provide documentary proof that they are a US citizen.
That could mean a birth certificate, path or naturalization papers.
It gives states access to federal databases to verify a
(03:07):
person's citizenship status.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Now here's the kicker.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
This federal mandate would override state rules in places where
people can register using an affidative or under penalty or
perjury instead of documentary proof.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
What problem is it trying to solve? Here?
Speaker 4 (03:27):
I need to know. I'm trying to understand this myself.
Supporters of HR twenty two say it's a matter of
election integrity. They argue it closes a loophole that could
potentially allow non citizens to vote. They say, it's not
about voter suppression, it's about keeping our elections safe. Here
(03:51):
we go again, safe, fair and secure. But here's a
question I have for you. There are widespread evidence of
non citizens voting in US elections? Or is this a
solution in search of a problem. That's the questions. Those
(04:14):
are the questions. Let me get that correct.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Let's look at the data.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
According to multiple studies, including those by the Brendan Center
for Justice and the Government Accountability Offers, there's no Listen.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
To me, I hope listen. Turn up the volume.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
There's no significant evidence of non citizen voting in federal elections.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
There's none.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
In fact, cases of ineligible voters casting ballots are exceedingly rare.
So again, ask yourselves, why is this bill being pushed now?
What's the real world impact?
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Let's break it down.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
Who would be affected the Think about people born in
rural areas, rural counties, or underserved communities where vital records.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Are harder harder to access.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Think about elderly citizens, especially Black Americans who were born
in the gym crow South and many never have been
issued a birth certificate.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Think about low income.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Individuals, the unhoused, and students moving across the state lines.
Question to the listening audience, do you know where your
birth certificate is?
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Right now? What about your passport? For those who don't
travel regularly?
Speaker 4 (05:42):
If registering to vote require you to present those documents
today today, could you now imagine being eighteen, just turned
eligible to vote, and you're told you need a document
that your parents never gave you are one that takes
(06:06):
forty dollars and three months to requests.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
From another state.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
Would you feel encouraged to vote? Are discouraged? I'm assuming
the lather. That's the concern opponents of HR twenty two
are raising that this bill doesn't strengthen democracy, it shrinks
access to it. State versus federal power who decides Another
(06:39):
big piece here is the battle between state and federal control.
Some states already have citizenship requirements. When registering others allow
people to sign an affidat of swearing they're a citizen.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
HR twenty two would.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Nationalized voter registration rules, which some argue is uncome constitutional.
So here's a constitutional question for all my policy.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Wants out there.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Does the federal government have the right to override state
election processes or is this overreach?
Speaker 2 (07:19):
That's the question.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
When seen when seeing similar debates play out with voter
id laws, reditioning, and even access to mail In balance,
HR twenty two as fuel fuel to the fire, what
do opponents say? Those who are proposing, not proposing, opposing,
(07:45):
excuse me opposing this bill. Civil rights organization, voting rights advocates,
and even some Secretaries of States are saying this bill
is a threat to democracy. Groups like ACLU and the
Legal Voters argue that it places undue burden on citizens,
not the non citizens, but on the citizens.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
It would disenfranchise thousands of legal voters.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
You heard about the big purge It's about to happen
in the state of Georgia.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
It's been used.
Speaker 4 (08:15):
As a political weapon to stoke fear and justify new restrictions.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
In fact, they point out that this bill may be.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Part of a larger effort to restrict voter access, especially
in communities of color, immigrant communities, and among young voters.
Let's talk Georgia. Georgia is front and center. Georgia is
(08:45):
front and center in this debate. After all, we've been
in the headlines for voting laws before. Remember SB two
oh two. If HR twenty two becomes law, Georgia would
need to require documented proof of citizenship.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
For every every every new voter.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
That could drastically impact turnout, especially in rural and urban
counties alike.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
So I ask again, would.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
This bill actually make our elections more secure safe? I
would it just make them harder to access for the
people who need their voices heard the most. Here's what
you can do. You know, I always give a homework assignment.
I'm a professor by trade. Here I'm gonna give you
(09:38):
a good old assignment. Now you know the facts. But
what can you do? Check your voter registration, make sure
everything is up to date. Contact your representatives. Contact your representatives.
Even if they don't respond, you make them respond to you.
You hold your representatives accountable. They work for the people,
(10:01):
not for themselves, or answer you when they feel like it.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
That's the problem. With seattholders.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Seat holders ask where they stand on HR twenty two,
ask why then share this episode?
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Say Alena Senta sent you from posting politics.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
You know, because knowledge is power and people need to
hear both sides before they decide. People need to hear
both sides before they decide. The Save Act might sound
like it's protecting our democracy, but sometimes what sounds good
on paper can hurt in practice. Whether you support it
(10:45):
are oppose it, you deserve to understand it. Whether you
support it are opposed, you deserve to understand it because
policies like this don't just live in Congress. They live
in your neighborhood, your ballot box, your community. So let
(11:09):
me leave you with this final question. It's protecting elections
about limiting access or expanding it while keeping it secure.
Let that sink in until next time. Stay informed, stay engaged,
and stay powerful. I'm Melina Sanders and this is Pulse
(11:34):
in Politics only
Speaker 3 (11:37):
On Poles and Polity
Stay locked in way news meets the heartbeat.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Of the streets.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
It's pulsing politics with Alina Sanders posting politics. Turn it up,
loud voices that matter, speaking truth right now, from the
city to the world. Got the facts so clear, Elina Sanders.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Keeps it real in here.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Breaking news, get the swoop, state folk, stay tuned politics, say.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Coach, every side, review.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
No spin, just facts in the booth so sharp. Elena
Santa's bringing knowledge where the mic and a spark polsting politics,
turn it up, loud voices that matter, speaking truth right now,
from the city to the world. Got the fact so clear.
Elina Sanders keeps it real in here. That's the post,
that's the truth only on pulsing Politics.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Hello, Hello, how many of you came to Welcome back
to Posts.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
And Politics, where we discect policies, the cold political rhetoric and.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Bring it all home to you the people.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
I'm your host, Elena Sanders, and today we're diving deep,
deep into something that's sparking a lot of controversy across
the country. I'm talking about HR twenty two, also known
as the Save Act. Now, if you haven't heard of
it yet, don't worry. Why because school is in session
(01:39):
and we're breaking it all the way down, all the
way down. So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's
talk about what this bill really means for our elections,
for our rights, and for our future. Let's start with
the basics. What is HR twenty two The SAVE Act.
(02:04):
HR twenty two stands for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
Sounds pretty patriotic, right, but let's unpack.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
What it actually does.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
This bill would require proof of US citizenship when registering
to vote in federal elections. Sounds reasonable on the surface,
After all, only citizens are supposed to vote.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
In US elections. That's what I thought.
Speaker 4 (02:33):
But the deeper you dig, the more complex and controversial
this bill becomes.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Here's what it includes. You're listening.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
It mandates that anyone registering to vote in a federal
election must provide documentary proof that they are a US citizen.
That could mean a birth certificate, path or naturalization papers.
It gives states access to federal databases to verify a
(03:07):
person's citizenship status.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Now here's the kicker.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
This federal mandate would override state rules in places where
people can register using an affidative or under penalty or
perjury instead of documentary proof.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
What problem is it trying to solve? Here?
Speaker 4 (03:27):
I need to know. I'm trying to understand this myself.
Supporters of HR twenty two say it's a matter of
election integrity. They argue it closes a loophole that could
potentially allow non citizens to vote. They say, it's not
about voter suppression, it's about keeping our elections safe. Here
(03:51):
we go again, safe, fair and secure. But here's a
question I have for you. There are widespread evidence of
non citizens voting in US elections? Or is this a
solution in search of a problem. That's the questions. Those
(04:14):
are the questions. Let me get that correct.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Let's look at the data.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
According to multiple studies, including those by the Brendan Center
for Justice and the Government Accountability Offers, there's no Listen.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
To me, I hope listen. Turn up the volume.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
There's no significant evidence of non citizen voting in federal elections.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
There's none.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
In fact, cases of ineligible voters casting ballots are exceedingly rare.
So again, ask yourselves, why is this bill being pushed now?
What's the real world impact?
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Let's break it down.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
Who would be affected the Think about people born in
rural areas, rural counties, or underserved communities where vital records.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Are harder harder to access.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Think about elderly citizens, especially Black Americans who were born
in the gym crow South and many never have been
issued a birth certificate.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Think about low income.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Individuals, the unhoused, and students moving across the state lines.
Question to the listening audience, do you know where your
birth certificate is?
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Right now? What about your passport? For those who don't
travel regularly?
Speaker 4 (05:42):
If registering to vote require you to present those documents
today today, could you now imagine being eighteen, just turned
eligible to vote, and you're told you need a document
that your parents never gave you are one that takes
(06:06):
forty dollars and three months to requests.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
From another state.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
Would you feel encouraged to vote? Are discouraged? I'm assuming
the lather. That's the concern opponents of HR twenty two
are raising that this bill doesn't strengthen democracy, it shrinks
access to it. State versus federal power who decides Another
(06:39):
big piece here is the battle between state and federal control.
Some states already have citizenship requirements. When registering others allow
people to sign an affidat of swearing they're a citizen.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
HR twenty two would.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Nationalized voter registration rules, which some argue is uncome constitutional.
So here's a constitutional question for all my policy.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Wants out there.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Does the federal government have the right to override state
election processes or is this overreach?
Speaker 2 (07:19):
That's the question.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
When seen when seeing similar debates play out with voter
id laws, reditioning, and even access to mail In balance,
HR twenty two as fuel fuel to the fire, what
do opponents say? Those who are proposing, not proposing, opposing,
(07:45):
excuse me opposing this bill. Civil rights organization, voting rights advocates,
and even some Secretaries of States are saying this bill
is a threat to democracy. Groups like ACLU and the
Legal Voters argue that it places undue burden on citizens,
not the non citizens, but on the citizens.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
It would disenfranchise thousands of legal voters.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
You heard about the big purge It's about to happen
in the state of Georgia.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
It's been used.
Speaker 4 (08:15):
As a political weapon to stoke fear and justify new restrictions.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
In fact, they point out that this bill may be.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Part of a larger effort to restrict voter access, especially
in communities of color, immigrant communities, and among young voters.
Let's talk Georgia. Georgia is front and center. Georgia is
(08:45):
front and center in this debate. After all, we've been
in the headlines for voting laws before. Remember SB two
oh two. If HR twenty two becomes law, Georgia would
need to require documented proof of citizenship.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
For every every every new voter.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
That could drastically impact turnout, especially in rural and urban
counties alike.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
So I ask again, would.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
This bill actually make our elections more secure safe? I
would it just make them harder to access for the
people who need their voices heard the most. Here's what
you can do. You know, I always give a homework assignment.
I'm a professor by trade. Here I'm gonna give you
(09:38):
a good old assignment. Now you know the facts. But
what can you do? Check your voter registration, make sure
everything is up to date. Contact your representatives. Contact your representatives.
Even if they don't respond, you make them respond to you.
You hold your representatives accountable. They work for the people,
(10:01):
not for themselves, or answer you when they feel like it.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
That's the problem. With seattholders.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Seat holders ask where they stand on HR twenty two,
ask why then share this episode?
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Say Alena Senta sent you from posting politics.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
You know, because knowledge is power and people need to
hear both sides before they decide. People need to hear
both sides before they decide. The Save Act might sound
like it's protecting our democracy, but sometimes what sounds good
on paper can hurt in practice. Whether you support it
(10:45):
are oppose it, you deserve to understand it. Whether you
support it are opposed, you deserve to understand it because
policies like this don't just live in Congress. They live
in your neighborhood, your ballot box, your community. So let
(11:09):
me leave you with this final question. It's protecting elections
about limiting access or expanding it while keeping it secure.
Let that sink in until next time. Stay informed, stay engaged,
and stay powerful. I'm Melina Sanders and this is Pulse
(11:34):
in Politics only
Speaker 3 (11:37):
On Poles and Polity
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