Strengthening Election Security

June 17, 2026 Weekly Columns Elections are underway in states across the country. As voters head to the polls, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that only American citizens vote in American elections. Put simply, Americans need confidence that our elections are fair, safe, and secure. Unfortunately, Democrats have voted against common-sense legislation like the SAVE America Act. This legislation strengthens election safeguards by requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a valid photo ID when casting a ballot in federal elections. These are straightforward measures designed to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections and that every vote cast is valid. If you are already registered to vote, the status of your existing registration remains unchanged. This bill also accounts for real-life situations, such as individuals getting married or divorced and changing their last names. It allows states to accommodate those changes and accept multiple forms of identification so eligible voters are not unfairly burdened. For many Oklahomans, this may not sound like a major change. Oklahoma has long required voter identification at the polls, and most voters here are already accustomed to showing ID before casting a ballot. However, not every state has the same requirements in place for federal elections. This bill creates a consistent nationwide rule so that those expectations apply across the country, not just in states like ours. Polls show strong support for these measures: 83% of Americans favor requiring photo ID to vote, including 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats. Those numbers demonstrate support across party lines and reflect a widely shared expectation that our elections should be secure. Efforts to secure our elections are not new. In the last Congress, the House passed the SAVE Act, which I also supported. It required proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The House passed it again this year because we believe this principle is essential. However, the SAVE America Act builds on that foundation by adding a clear requirement for valid photo identification when voting. Together, these provisions reinforce what should be a basic standard in any constitutional republic. There are countless things in everyday life that require a photo ID. You need identification to check a book out from a library, purchase alcohol, check into a hotel, or open a bank account. Voting in a federal election is one of the most important civic responsibilities we have. It should meet at least the same standard. The bill is now before the Senate, and I encourage my Senate colleagues to pass this legislation. At its core, the SAVE America Act helps ensure that only citizens participate in federal elections and that election security remains a priority. Every American deserves to trust our election system and have confidence that their vote matters.