Rep. Sykes Votes No on Bill That Would Make It Harder for Americans to Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted no on the SAVE America Act (H.R. 7296), warning it would make it harder for eligible Americans to register and vote, especially women and seniors.
The bill would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register, impose stricter photo ID rules, and limit how voters can update their registration. Many would have to register or make changes in person at county boards of elections. Ohio has only one per county.
Rep. Sykes, vice chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, said millions of women could be blocked from voting because their names don’t exactly match their birth certificates or citizenship papers. Older voters and people with disabilities would face extra hurdles, with few clear accommodations.
“The SAVE America Act doesn’t protect democracy. It shrinks it. It tells millions of women, older Americans, and people with disabilities that their voices do not matter. Every eligible voter deserves a clear, fair path to the ballot, not political games dressed up as security,” Rep. Sykes said.
The bill would also allow lawsuits and criminal penalties against election officials and roll back parts of the Help America Vote Act, which already ensures voter eligibility without unnecessary barriers.
The legislation passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.