SAVE Act Co-Sponsor Mullin States Voter ID Requirements Are Not Racist or Vote Suppression Tools

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a co-sponsor of the proposed SAVE Act—which would require voters in federal elections to provide documentation confirming U.S. citizenship—stated Monday that the measure is not designed to suppress votes or constitute racial discrimination, as Democrats have claimed.

In an interview on Newsmax’s “Finnerty” program, Mullin countered Democratic objections by noting that if such requirements were racist or vote-suppressive, the 37 states that already mandate voter identification would have been challenged and overturned in court. He added that the 13 states without voter ID laws overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.

Mullin emphasized that states with voter ID requirements maintain secure elections and have not faced credible claims of discrimination tied to the practice. “The fact is, those 37 states that require it, they have a very secure and highly responsive election, and there have been no complaints about suppressing votes or being a racist tool to suppress the minority,” he said.

He also highlighted that Americans must provide identification in multiple settings beyond voting, including for federal programs. “What the SAVE Act does is it just requires people to have an ID—a federal ID, your REAL ID—that everyone has to use to sign up for social security or other federal programs,” Mullin explained.

When pressed on why the issue remains politically contentious, Mullin linked the debate to immigration policy and Democratic-run jurisdictions. “You have to follow the truth behind this,” he said. “This is why they have sanctuary cities in these blue states. This is why all these blue states allow illegals to vote in their state elections.”

Mullin noted that noncitizens are barred from voting in federal contests but claimed verification is necessary to confirm eligibility. He added that Senator Mitch McConnell cannot block the legislation, though he has issued a letter opposing it.

“We’re not telling people where or states when or how to hold elections,” Mullin said. “We’re just saying you’ve got to have an ID to prove you’re a citizen.”

Mullin indicated a vote on the SAVE Act could come within weeks.