SAVE database

The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for states to use the federal SAVE database to verify the citizenship status of voters. The decision allows states to cross-check voter registration records against immigration data, a step several Republican-led states have sought as part of efforts to tighten election integrity rules. Critics argue the practice could disenfranchise eligible voters, while supporters say it safeguards the ballot.

The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for states to verify voter citizenship using the federal SAVE database ahead of the midterm elections. The decision permits election officials to cross-check voter rolls against immigration records, a move supporters say protects election integrity and critics warn could purge eligible voters and discourage registration among naturalized citizens just before voting begins.