A simple standard for secure elections

Washington, D.C. — In her latest column, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) makes the case for the SAVE America Act, legislation she helped pass to require photo identification and proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Drawing on North Dakota’s proven model, she shares how a commonsense ID standard protects the integrity of the ballot while preserving the state’s unique and effective election system. 

Read her full op-ed below or click here to read it directly in the Grand Forks Herald:   

You need a photo ID to board a plane, open a bank account, buy cold medicine, or check into a hotel. Voting should be no different. 

Voting is one of the most important rights we have as Americans. It’s how we choose our leaders, hold government accountable, and pass our freedoms on to the next generation. 

Protecting that right means making sure every lawful vote counts—and that only lawful votes are cast. 

Showing an ID to vote isn’t controversial in North Dakota. It’s been our standard for years. We maintain a unique but effective voting system that does not require voter registration. Instead, the state identifies, confirms, and tracks eligible voters through the North Dakota Department of Transportation and a central voter file. This ensures that only U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote in North Dakota participate in elections. 

Our process exceeds federal requirements and is a gold standard for efficient and secure elections. That’s why I cosponsored and helped pass the SAVE America Act. 

Last year, I voted for the SAVE Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The goal was straightforward: make sure only American citizens vote in American elections. 

The SAVE America Act builds on that foundation by adding a commonsense photo ID requirement for federal elections—something North Dakotans already expect and already do. It does not change how elections are run in our state. Instead, it brings the same practical, proven safeguards that work here to the rest of the country. 

I worked directly with the bill’s sponsor to ensure North Dakota’s unique process remains fully compliant. North Dakotans will continue voting the same way they always have: using a state-issued driver’s license, a non-driver state-issued identification card, a tribal ID or tribal letter, or a certificate from a long-term care facility. 

So, why is this legislation needed? 

Because under current federal law, many states do not require photo ID to vote in federal elections despite requiring it for countless everyday activities. 

The SAVE America Act provides clear, workable options for proving U.S. citizenship. A REAL ID, U.S. passport, military ID with proof of birth, or government-issued photo ID showing U.S. birthplace all qualify. For those without one of these documents, the bill allows an option to show a combination of documents to prove identity and U.S. citizenship. 

Opponents claim voter ID requirements suppress participation. The evidence says otherwise. 

States that have implemented strong election integrity measures have seen an increase in voter participation. In fact, overwhelming majorities of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship to vote. 

That shouldn’t surprise anyone. At a time when Americans are focused on restoring confidence and accountability across government, protecting the integrity of our elections is top of mind. 

North Dakota has shown the rest of the country what works. The SAVE America Act simply brings a dose of North Dakota common sense to the federal level. Protecting the right to vote starts with protecting the vote itself. That’s not extreme. It’s responsible.