Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. and former White House adviser, has waded into the voting rules debate, warning that democracy is at risk if Congress fails to tighten proof-of-citizenship rules for individuals registering to vote.
Supporting the SAVE Act
Musk’s intervention came in response to conservative commentator Glenn Beck, who urged Republicans to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The SAVE Act aims to require documentary proof of US citizenship before someone can be added to federal voter rolls. Musk echoed Beck’s sentiments, stating, “It must be done or democracy is dead.”
What the SAVE Act Entails
The SAVE Act, backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson and introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, would introduce stricter documentation requirements for voter registration. Supporters argue that this would deter noncitizens from voting illegally, while Democrats and voting rights groups counter that it could disenfranchise eligible American citizens.
Partisan Divide
The debate surrounding the SAVE Act has sparked a partisan fight, with Republicans broadly supporting the measure and Democrats firmly opposed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the SAVE Act, labeling it “Jim Crow 2.0” and warning that it would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
Previous Advocacy
Musk has previously advocated for voter ID requirements, backing a Wisconsin ballot measure that wrote photo-ID requirements into the state constitution. He has also sparred with Governor Gavin Newsom over a law blocking cities from requiring voter ID at the polls.
The Fate of the SAVE Act
House Speaker Mike Johnson has resisted demands to attach the SAVE Act to a must-pass funding bill during the current partial government shutdown. The fate of the SAVE Act remains uncertain, with Senate Democrats vowing to vote against any bill containing the measure. As the debate continues, the future of American democracy hangs in the balance.