Save Act sparks voting concerns in Oswego County
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The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act recently passed in the U.S. House and is now headed to the Senate.
Backed by the Trump administration, the bill would require all federal voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship. Supporters say it protects election integrity, but critics argue it could make voting harder — especially in places like Oswego County.
“There’s a concern — not backed by evidence — that non-citizens are voting,” said Allison Rank, chair of the Department of Politics at SUNY Oswego. “The SAVE Act is a way of addressing that fear.”
In areas with limited transportation and weekday-only office hours, getting documents in person could be tough. “If you work a 9-to-5 job, you might have to take a day off just to get there,” Rank said.
College students face unique challenges, often lacking citizenship documents while living away from home.
Vote Oswego, a nonpartisan student group, has helped students register and vote for years. But organizers worry the bill could undo that work.
“Every student would need ID proving citizenship,” said Ashley Girdlestone, a local politics intern. “I live hours away and don’t carry that kind of documentation — and many students are in the same position.”
Whether or not it becomes law, the SAVE Act is already raising questions about who can vote — and who might be left out.
Written By Ziggy James
Edited by Jamari Mitchell