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Florida Enacts SAVE Act
DeSantis signed Florida's version of the SAVE America Act requiring proof of citizenship.
“This bill protects and expands integrity in our voter registration process”
Voting rights groups filed a federal lawsuit within hours to block the law as unconstitutional.
The law aligns with the state constitution but opponents warn it will disenfranchise over a million Floridians.
DeSantis anticipated the lawsuit as a song and dance.
Immediate Legal Challenge
The lawsuit contends the law violates the First and 14th Amendments.
It warns the law will target vulnerable populations including older Black voters and naturalized citizens.
Similar laws in other states have resulted in disenfranchisement before being struck down.
The ACLU called it one of the worst voter suppression laws in modern American history.
Proof of Citizenship Mechanics
The law requires citizenship paperwork and a photo ID when registering and before voting.
“Millions of Floridians who have presented a birth certificate or passport to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will be verified automatically”
Verification leans on existing state data for REAL ID holders.
Individuals without citizenship on file have 30 days to provide documentation or face removal.
The law also requires all voting to be done using paper ballots.
Political Context and Opposition
DeSantis signed the law hours after Trump enacted an executive order on voting.
The law comes as Florida prepares for a crucial 2026 midterm election.
Critics argue the law will disproportionately affect vulnerable voters.
Polling and legal challenges suggest the fight over election laws will remain.