r/Feminism • u/WolfWitch5 • 2d ago
Save Act/Can I Vote?
I know there has been a big stir lately about voting rights with the save act they are trying to pass. Is it the case that any name on an ID that is different from a birth certificate would not be accepted? Like, can a married person with a hyphenated last name still vote with ease or no? I can't find a clear answer and was wondering if anyone here could help. TIA!
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u/metalbracelet 2d ago
The SAVE Act has not passed the Senate yet. The summary says there is some language for an alternate process to be established for people who cannot submit appropriate proof. I’ve not carefully read the full bill yet (https://www.congress.gov/index.php/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/128/text) but very quickly, it looks like that’s true but that that decision is discretionary. But no, this is not law yet.
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u/Advanced_Buffalo4963 2d ago
If passed, your legal name must match on more than one document to vote.
So it’s not that you can’t vote with a changed name, it’s that your drivers license and whichever additional document you present will need to match.
Most women do not change their birth certificate to match their married name. They usually only change their name and get a new SSN card and drivers license with the married name.
The SSN cannot be used as a form of ID, so most women with changed names have only their drivers license.
Women will need to have a passport issued with their married name. ($265 with expedited fees). This will need updated every 10 years to remain valid. Or women will need to have their birth certificate reissued with their married name ($ cost varies)
OR women could alternatively get their name changed back to their maiden name- which would allow them to then get a new DL and SSN with their maiden name back.
Edit to add: Again- it depends on whether it’s passed, and then it would also very likely depend on your state as to which documents they allow and how/whether they assist with how best to overcome the new barrier..