Democrats’ ‘Jim Crow 2.0’ Label for Voter ID Laws Ignores History and Modern Support

By Michael Dorstewitz
Monday, February 9, 2026

The SAVE Act, which the House approved with only four Democratic votes, is now stalled in the Senate, where it’s described by Democrats as “Jim Crow 2.0.”

But that description insults not just today’s American voters but also the memory of post-Civil War Southern Black citizens who were denied the vote due to actual Jim Crow laws.

The SAVE Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, would apply to all federal elections and require proof of citizenship for voter registration. In addition, Republican lawmakers introduced the SAVE America Act that adds a photo ID requirement at polling places during federal elections.

These measures are designed to make voting easy while reducing fraud.

A Gallup poll conducted prior to the 2024 presidential election revealed that 83% of U.S. adults support laws requiring proof of citizenship for first-time voter registration, and 84% favor photo identification requirements at polling stations.

Despite this overwhelming public approval, Congressional Democrats have blocked the bills, labeling them “Jim Crow 2.0.”

In recent interviews, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated: “What they’re trying to do here is the same thing that was done in the South for decades to prevent people of color from voting.”

Schumer’s claim implies many people of color are incapable of presenting photo ID—a requirement most U.S. adults possess.

For instance, he claimed: “If you’re a woman who got married and changed her last name, you won’t be able to show ID and you’ll be discriminated against.”

Schumer further stated: “If you can’t find a birth certificate or a proper ID, you’ll be discriminated against.”

These assertions reflect the “soft bigotry of low expectations,” an insult to individuals’ intellects.

More significantly, calling photo ID laws “Jim Crow 2.0” insults freed slaves who were subjected to actual Jim Crow laws following the ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870.

After the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870, prohibiting federal and state governments from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, many Democratic-run Southern states passed workarounds that became known as Jim Crow laws.

Comparing photo ID requirements to these historical practices is a disservice to freed slaves who fought for the fundamental right to vote.

Moreover, many developing countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Pakistan, require photo ID to vote.

Currently, the SAVE Act and its companion bill are dead in the Senate due to insufficient votes to close debate.

With midterms approaching, Democrats may face growing pressure as they reject proposals enjoying overwhelming public support. As one Republican noted: “Show America who Democrats really are, and let’s finally secure our elections—just like Nigeria.”

Michael Dorstewitz is a retired lawyer and former U.S. Merchant Marine officer who supports the Second Amendment.