Pass the SAVE Act and Protect Our Native Vote

The SAVE Act should be passed. It’s common sense. Our Native vote is too vulnerable. We need to make sure our voices are heard and respected.

The SAVE Act stands for “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.” This law helps protect our votes by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. As of 2024, estimates of the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States range from approximately 10.5 million to 11.4 million. This population, which represents about 3% of the total U.S. population, poses a risk to the integrity of our voting system.

H.R.8281 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act | Congress.gov | S.4292 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act | Congress.gov

The Native American population in the United States is approximately 6.79 million as of 2024. This is about 2.09% of the total U.S. population. When compared to the estimated 10.5 to 11.4 million unauthorized immigrants, it becomes clear how our votes could be diluted if non-citizens were allowed to vote. Most unauthorized immigrants come from Mexico, but the population from other regions, such as Central America, Asia, and South America, has been growing. This further underscores the need for the SAVE Act to protect our votes.

Right now, our votes can be outnumbered by people who are not citizens. This means people who do not understand our needs can make decisions for us. Imagine if someone who does not live in your house tells you how to keep it clean. That does not make sense, right? The same thing happens when people who are not part of our community vote on our matters. They do not understand our culture, our history, or our needs. This is why the SAVE Act is important.

Noncitizens voting in this country is a reality. Cities that allow noncitizen residents to vote in local elections and referendums include San Francisco (school board elections only), Washington DC, Hyattsville Maryland, and Burlington Vermont. The SAVE Act will ensure that only those who are part of our community and citizens of the U.S. can vote on our issues. It will keep our voting system safe and fair. This law will protect our traditions and our way of life. It will help us keep our sovereignty, which means having the power to govern ourselves.

Noncitizen voting is allowed for local elections in some cities : NPR

One concern is that our Native vote could be threatened by those who are not yet citizens. Undocumented populations may not fully understand what is at stake for our communities. If they were to vote, they could change the outcome of decisions that deeply affect us. The SAVE Act ensures that only eligible citizens can vote on our issues, protecting the integrity of our vote.

It’s bad enough that Native Americans have been lumped into DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, which are putting our communities further behind. These initiatives often fail to address the unique challenges and needs of Native American communities, further marginalizing us and ignoring our specific issues. We need tailored nation-to-nation solutions that recognize our sovereignty and unique cultural heritage.

Turner, Marcia. “Indigenous Peoples Are Not Part of Diversity.” : LinkedIn

We have a right to decide what happens in our communities. Our votes should count the most in decisions about our lands, our schools, and our future. The SAVE Act will make sure our votes are strong and protected.

Passing the SAVE Act is a step towards a better future for Native Americans. It is about keeping our voices strong and our decisions in our hands. It is common sense and it is fair. We need this law to protect our community and our way of life.

Support and help Congress pass the SAVE Act. Protect our Native vote. Keep our voices strong.