Letter to Congress on Behalf of Overseas and Military Voters Regarding the SAVE - Act H.R. 22 / S. 128
March 28, 2025
Re: Oppose the SAVE Act, H.R. 22 / S. 128
Dear Representative,
On behalf of the millions of American citizens living overseas, including tens of thousands of service members, their spouses, and family members, we strongly urge you to oppose the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, H.R. 22 / S. 128.
The SAVE Act would effectively end mail voter registration; instead of simply mailing a form, most Americans would have to present a birth certificate or passport in person to a local election official every single time they register or re-register to vote. The SAVE Act would also upend or eliminate online voter registration.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986 protects the rights of military service members and their eligible family members and other American citizens living abroad to vote in our elections. For nearly 40 years, UOCAVA has required states and territories to allow eligible voters to register and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which they submit by mail or, in some states, by fax or email, to their local election offices. In some states, Americans who live overseas can also register to vote by using their state’s mail registration form or online registration portal.
Millions of American civilians and uniformed service members abroad have used these registration methods for decades. For example, in the two years ending with the 2020 elections, more than 760,000 applicants submitted a Federal Post Card Application to register to vote.1 And in the two years ending with the 2022 midterms, more than 300,000 applicants submitted a Federal Post Card Application.2
These registrations would likely become impossible under the SAVE Act. It would reverse crucial voting access gains that have been won by generations of Americans, including thousands of service members of color.
We are proud to represent the United States, both formally and informally, abroad. Americans living overseas, including U.S. service members and their families, are citizens fiercely committed to American democracy. Yet the SAVE Act does not make possible, or even account for, our participation in American elections.
Instead of making it easier for Americans to make their voices heard, or strengthening the security of our elections, the SAVE Act would decimate our members’ ability to register and vote.
For these reasons, we urge you to oppose the SAVE Act.
Best regards,
U.S. Vote Foundation
Association of Americans Resident Overseas
American Citizens Abroad
Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas
Secure Families Initiative