SAVE America Act: Safeguard or Symbolic Politics?

The SAVE America Act is a proposal that aims to require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. On its face, it sounds about as controversial as saying water is wet: only citizens should vote in U.S. elections. Fair enough. But as with most things in politics, the simplicity ends right…

Ed Markey, Trump, and the Limits of Election Rhetoric

Sen. Ed Markey didn’t wake up one morning seized by a sudden desire to protect the delicate architecture of American federalism. His Senate resolution condemning President Trump’s remarks about “nationalizing” elections is, without question, a political act. It’s meant to draw contrast, mobilize a base, and frame Republicans as hostile to democratic norms heading into…

Proof of Citizenship Makes Sense If We Do It with Sense

President Trump’s executive order requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections has stirred up a political hornet’s nest. Democrats are calling it “voter suppression.” Republicans hail it as a “return to election integrity.” And most ordinary Americans are probably scratching their heads wondering, “Wait a minute… shouldn’t we already be doing that?” It’s…