The Workers Circle organized a Jewish community letter to Congress opposing the SAVE Act, a federal voter suppression bill that would disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible American voters.
March 31, 2025
Dear Representative:
As 25 Jewish faith, values, and service-based organizations, we write in strong opposition to H.R.22, the SAVE (“Safeguard American Voter Eligibility”) Act. We urge you to vote “no” and to advocate strongly against its passage to your colleagues.
In early March, our nation marked the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the march from Selma to Montgomery, when the actions of courageous civil rights leaders catalyzed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We urge you to help America keep the promises of its Constitution and this history by stopping this bill.
The SAVE Act would require all Americans registering to vote or updating their voter registration to present, in-person, either a birth certificate or a passport – documents which tens of millions of Americans either cannot easily produce or do not have. It would further end voter registration drives, voter registration by mail, and online voter registration.
More than 69 million voting eligible women who changed their last names when they got married do not have birth certificates that reflect their current name. As many as 13 million Americans whose names are correctly reflected on their birth certificates do not have ready access to them.
More than 146 million Americans – nearly half of all American citizens – do not have a passport. It costs about $165 to request one for the first time. Many of those without passports are elderly Americans who do not have any intention to travel and cannot afford the unnecessary cost with a fixed income. All of these people without passports or birth certificates are eligible voters.
Despite there being no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting, the SAVE Act allows removing suspected non-citizens from the voting rolls (without notice). The SAVE Act would require any who are purged to provide a birth certificate or passport in order to be returned to the rolls. This bill is a solution seeking a problem that will upend elections for millions of eligible Americans.
Congressman John Lewis, may his memory be a blessing, reminded all of us, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful, non-violent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” As our elected leaders, we are counting on you to protect every American’s freedom to vote. We urge you to oppose the SAVE Act and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Sincerely,
The Workers Circle
Arizona Jews for Justice
Avodah
Bend the Arc: Jewish Action
Habonim Dror North America
IfNotNow Movement
Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action
Jewish Community Action
Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)
Jewish Labor Committee
Jews for a Secular Democracy
Keshet
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
National Council of Jewish Women
New England Jewish Labor Committee
New Jersey Jewish Labor Committee
Rabbinical Assembly
Reconstructing Judaism
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
The Shalom Center
Tivnu: Building Justice
Union for Reform Judaism
United Hebrew Trades - New York Jewish Labor Committee
Uri L'Tzedek
About the Workers Circle
Celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025, the Workers Circle is a national, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities. That history drives the organization’s work for an inclusive democracy and social equality today. The Workers Circle’s activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic and impactful social justice initiatives, vibrant Yiddish language classes and programs, and interactive educational activities, the Workers Circle powers a multigenerational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.