US Senate likely to take up bill seeking sweeping electoral reforms this week

WASHINGTON: (Mar 15) The US Senate is likely to take up this week a bill that would require voters to submit a proof of citizenship to register to cast their votes in a federal election, a move described as the “number one priority” by President Donald Trump.

The SAVE America Act also requires voters to furnish a photo identity card before exercising their franchise rights and seeks to limit mail-in ballots only for those who are disabled, ill, serving in the military, or are travelling.

A fact-sheet on the White House website noted that India and Brazil have already linked voter identity cards to a biometric database, while the US relies on self-attestation for citizenship before being allowed to vote.