The Relentless School Nurse: Women’s History Month Includes A Call to Action Against Voter Suppression

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. –19th Amendment to the US Constitution ratified in 1920

As we celebrate Women’s History Month 2025, with its theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” it’s disheartening to witness a legislative move that threatens to undo the progress we’ve made in ensuring women’s right to vote. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, introduced by House Republicans, is not just a bill; it’s a direct assault on the democratic principles that women have fought for 125 years.  

The SAVE Act would mandate that all Americans provide documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register to vote in federal elections, despite existing laws already prohibiting noncitizens from voting and requiring voters to affirm or verify their citizenship status. This bill would impose unnecessary documentation requirements, creating additional barriers to voting, particularly for communities of color, who are three times more likely to lack or face difficulties accessing documents like birth certificates or passports. The SAVE Act’s measures would not only hinder voter registration drives and mail-in voting but also enable large-scale voter purges, disproportionately affecting naturalized citizens and communities of color, reinforcing structural inequalities in political representation. 

The SAVE Act, under the guise of protecting voter eligibility, imposes stringent documentation requirements that could disenfranchise millions of American voters, particularly affecting women and citizens of color.

Here’s how:

Documentation Barriers: The bill requires voters to present documentary proof of citizenship in person, which for most Americans means a passport or birth certificate. This requirement is particularly burdensome for women who have changed their names due to marriage or other reasons, as they might not have a birth certificate with their current legal name. 

Eliminating Mail and Online Registration: The SAVE Act would severely disrupt mail and online voter registration, methods that have become crucial for many, especially for those who face mobility issues or live in remote areas.

Promoting Voter Purges: The bill mandates frequent voter purges, a practice known to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including women of color, who are more likely to be removed from voter rolls due to faulty data.

Imprisoning Election Workers: Under this act, election workers could face imprisonment for registering someone without the correct documents, even if the voter is a citizen. This not only threatens the integrity of election officials but also creates an environment of fear and intimidation.

This legislation comes at a time when we should be celebrating the achievements and resilience of women. Instead, it threatens to silence the voices of those who have historically been underrepresented in our democracy.

The implications of the SAVE Act are profound:

• Voter Suppression: By creating unnecessary barriers to voter registration, the bill effectively suppresses the vote, particularly among groups already facing challenges in accessing the electoral process.

• Health and Democracy: Voting is an act of courageous civic engagement, especially for nurses and women whose health and rights are directly impacted by policy decisions.

• Educational Impact: Women’s role in education and mentorship, as celebrated this Women’s History Month, could be undermined if their voices are not heard in the political arena.

The SAVE Act is not just about voter eligibility; it’s about voter suppression. It’s about making it harder for women, especially those who have changed their names, moved, or served in the military, to exercise their fundamental right to vote. This bill, if passed, would be a step backward, contradicting the spirit of Women’s History Month and the ongoing fight for gender equality.

As nurses, educators, and advocates, we must stand against this bill. We must educate, inspire, and mobilize our communities to oppose HR 22. The right to vote is not just a political act; it’s a health determinant, a social justice issue, and a cornerstone of our democracy. Let’s ensure that the legacy of women’s history is one of progress, not regression.

Here are steps we can all take:

JOIN your state’s local League of Women Voters chapter. There are 700 across the country,

Tell your members of Congress to oppose the SAVE Act