Dear Community Member, 

For almost 250 years, Americans have chosen their leaders through free and fair elections. The voting process is a cornerstone of our democracy and a core responsibility of American citizens, and together we should do everything we can to protect our elections.

Unfortunately, politicians in Washington, D.C. are pushing bills like the SAVE America Act that makes voting harder, not easier. That is why, this week, I voted against that legislation.

The proponents of the bill claim that it would stop non-citizens from voting. However, it is already against the law for non-citizens to vote in federal elections. This law has been on the books since 1999. Furthermore, despite extensive investigations, little if any evidence has been found of widespread non-citizen voting, because it rarely occurs.

I agree that it is appropriate for states to require eligible voters to present some form of identification in the voter registration or voting process. However, the crux of the argument is about when and what type of identification is necessary to register to vote and vote. The SAVE Act, and the similar “Make Elections Great Again Act,” politicize the elections process and would actually create unnecessary barriers for legitimate voters. Seniors without original birth certificates, college students voting away from home, people who’ve changed their name like married women, and overseas veterans, military members, and their family members could all be turned away at the polls. These bills would add unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles while trying to solve a problem that does not exist.

This appears to be a part of a broader effort to “nationalize” our elections, whatever that really means, and undermine the state and local, community-based foundation of our democracy. That is why I previously voted against the SAVE America Act and voted against it for a second time this week. I will continue to push back against any and all efforts to undermine our elections. 

At the same time, I support legislation that strengthens our elections and right to vote. Under the United States Constitution, Article I, Section 4, Clause 1:

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of choosing Senators.

The Supreme Court has held that Article I, Section 4, Clause 1, provides for Congress, not the courts, to regulate how states exercise their authority over Senate and House elections¹. That is why I continue to work hard to strengthen our voting processes and our democracy. I believe in secure elections, which is why I support funding for the Election Assistance Commission and also support the strong provisions of the Help America Vote Act to help elections run smoothly. I also support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores protections by modernizing anti-discrimination protections, stops surprise election changes with a 180-day notice requirement, gets dark money out of politics, and enables proper oversight where voter suppression threats exist. 

I believe that is appropriate for states to ensure that eligible American citizens identify themselves either during the voter registration or voting process and be able to vote without facing burdensome barriers. That is why I continue to do everything possible to protect Americans' right to vote. For our elections are a cornerstone of our country and help ensure that the people’s voices are heard. Moreover, voting is the best way for all of us to participate in and protect our democracy.

Follow me on facebook, x, or bluesky to keep updated on my work defending voting rights and opposing efforts to restrict them. I look forward to working together in our continued fight to strengthen our democracy in service to the people of California’s 19th Congressional District.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California

1. Rucho v. Common Cause, 588 U.S. 684 (2019). See also Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Ariz., Inc., 570 U.S. 1 (2013); Ex parte Siebold, 100 U.S. 371, 392 (1880) (The power of Congress . . . is paramount, and may be exercised at any time, and to any extent which it deems expedient.).