President Trump threatened to not sign the recently approved housing bill until Congress passes the SAVE America Act.

The proposed SAVE America Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) shifts control toward the federal government by creating mandatory, nationwide federal standards for voter registration and identity verification in federal elections. While the U.S. Constitution’s elections clause traditionally grants state legislatures the authority to run elections, it also gives Congress the power to make or alter those regulations.

This legislation is an unprecedented example of federal overreach, particularly since Maine voters overwhelmingly rejected these changes last year. Furthermore, it gives wide powers to the Trump administration to control elections to his satisfaction. Or maybe cancel elections altogether. Please vote out those elected officials who favor the SAVE America Act.

Brian Nickerson 
South Portland