Supreme Court allows states to access federal SAVE database for voter citizenship checks

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The US Supreme Court has ruled that states may use the federal SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) database to verify the citizenship status of voters. The decision marks a significant shift in how states can conduct eligibility checks during voter registration processes. SAVE is a Department of Homeland Security database traditionally used to confirm immigration status for benefit eligibility purposes. The ruling opens the door for broader state-level use of federal immigration data in election administration. Supporters argue it strengthens election integrity, while critics warn it could lead to eligible voters being wrongly flagged or removed from rolls.

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