Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Democrats will fight the Republican-backed SAVE Act requiring citizenship proof to vote, despite polling showing 83 percent of Americans support voter identification requirements.

Democrats Reject Bipartisan Voter Support

Schumer told CNN he would block the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act, which passed the House. The New York Democrat dismissed the legislation as targeting poor Americans and minorities, calling it comparable to Jim Crow laws. His opposition comes despite Pew Research polling showing 71 percent of Democratic voters support presenting identification to vote.

The SAVE Act would require citizenship proof for voter registration and create information-sharing systems between state election officials and federal authorities. The bill also allows the Department of Homeland Security to pursue immigration cases when non-citizens appear on voter rolls. Schumer claimed the requirements would prevent over 20 million legitimate voters from participating in elections.

DHS Role Sparks Additional Controversy

Schumer criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments about ensuring election integrity, calling potential ICE presence at polling places undemocratic. The dispute occurs during negotiations over DHS funding, with the department shut down since Friday. Democrats demand Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stay away from schools and polling locations during their funding discussions.

Senate Showdown Expected

The bill faces nearly certain failure without Democratic support, though Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman may break party ranks. Republicans would need to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster threshold or force extended debate to advance the legislation. The controversy highlights the growing divide between public opinion on voter identification and Democratic Party positions heading into the election season.