Murkowski Breaks Party Ranks
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the first Republican senator to publicly oppose the SAVE Act, a sweeping election bill championed by former President Donald Trump. The legislation would require all Americans to prove citizenship to vote nationwide.
Murkowski reminded her colleagues that Republicans strongly opposed federal election reforms under President Joe Biden. “When Democrats attempted sweeping election reform legislation in 2021, Republicans opposed it because it would have federalized elections,” she said. “Now, I see proposals such as the SAVE Act and MEGA that do just that. I do not support these efforts.”
Concerns Over Federal Overreach
Murkowski emphasized that the Constitution gives states the authority to regulate federal elections. She warned that nationwide mandates often fail in unique regions like Alaska. Currently, U.S. voters must swear under oath that they are citizens, and states set additional rules.
The SAVE Act would bar states from registering voters without proof of citizenship and require all voters to show ID at the polls. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, introduced the bill, which has 48 GOP co-sponsors. Despite Trump’s calls for its passage, the legislation faces a 60-vote Senate threshold and Democratic opposition.
Impact on Election Integrity
While supporters argue the SAVE Act ensures election integrity, Murkowski said it could have the opposite effect. “Election Day is fast approaching. Imposing new federal requirements now would force election officials to scramble without proper resources,” she said. “Public trust in elections is vital, but federal overreach is not the solution.”
Historical Context
Democrats previously passed the For the People Act in 2021 and 2022, aiming to strengthen voting rights and limit gerrymandering. A slimmer Freedom to Vote Act passed the Senate majority but failed due to a Republican filibuster. At the time, Republicans, including then-Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, insisted election rules must remain a state responsibility.
“This is not a federal issue,” McConnell said in January 2022. “The system has held up well. There is no reason to federalize elections, and therefore no need for debate in the Senate.”
