North Dakota Native Vote raises concerns about SAVE Act
Advocacy group warns new citizenship requirements could disenfranchise Native voters
North Dakota Native Vote said it is closely monitoring the SAVE Act, which would require American citizens to provide documentary proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, passport or identification that clearly indicates place of birth, according to a statement released Feb. 12. The organization said the bill passed the U.S. House and has not yet passed the Senate.
In the statement, North Dakota Native Vote said the requirement raises concerns for Native communities because most tribal IDs do not list birthplace and some tribal members may face barriers accessing official certificates. The group said there are “many reasons that this bill disenfranchises our communities and dampens our voices” and encouraged people to contact their senators and speak with tribal communities about the legislation. The statement was signed by Kendyl Harrison, deputy director of North Dakota Native Vote.
