The CLARITy Coalition (Champions of Liberty Against the Reality of Islamist Tyranny) is a bipartisan group founded by Muslims, ex-Muslims, academics, scholars, authors, and activists who stand for peace, democracy, liberty, and secular governance We express our strong support for the SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act, currently pending before the U.S. Senate. The SAVE Act would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and implement photo ID requirements in federal elections.
These basic corrections must be taken immediately in order to guarantee nationwide election integrity. Even isolated instances or credible concerns about election irregularities can undermine public trust and potentially distort electoral outcomes. Americans must have confidence that their votes are counted properly. Indeed, according to recent polling, over 80% of the public supports these measures.
Americans need to be sure that elections are not being skewed by votes cast by individuals who are not citizens – who do not share the responsibilities and rights that are the foundation of our democracy. Hence the requirement to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote. In addition, requiring an ID at the polls would go far to eliminate fraudulent practices that can overwhelm and devalue the votes of legally registered citizens.
Confidence in our elections is vital to ensuring citizens’ trust in our democratic system, and upholding the shared principles that unite Americans. Our nation is united not by ethnicity, race or origin, but by adherence to the Constitution and Bill of Rights, which provide the strongest protection for individual liberty.
As a diverse coalition of activists dedicated to defeating Islamism, it is not a coincidence that many of the West’s leading Islamists and their sympathizers are against the SAVE Act on the ground of identity politics. We believe that verifying voter eligibility under law helps ensure that every citizen can vote fairly and every legal vote counts. Many immigrant families came to the United States seeking stability and protection of rights under law; these measures reinforce that shared commitment.
We urge the Senate to pass the SAVE Act as soon as possible.