Access to these documents varies by demographic group. The poll found Black respondents (13%) were more likely than white respondents (6%) to report not having any required documents readily available.
Who Gets Left Behind?
When asked which groups might face extra challenges under the new requirements, 48% of respondents identified concerns about people who cannot afford document fees. Similar percentages expressed concern about:
- Married people who changed their names (47%)
- People who changed their names for other reasons (46%)
- Divorced people who changed their names (45%)
- Elderly people (45%)
- Students away at college (41%)
- People living far from government offices (41%)
- People who work during government office hours (39%)
- People with disabilities (38%)
The poll revealed significant demographic divides in perceptions of these barriers. Women were consistently more likely than men to express concerns.
Even more striking was the partisan divide: 83% of Democrats expressed concern about people who can’t afford document fees compared to just 13% of Republicans. Similar partisan gaps existed across all potential barriers, with 63% of Republicans indicating they didn’t think any groups would face extra challenges at all.
Young voters, especially those who move around a lot, could face real hurdles. According to the survey, voters ages 18-34 are three times more likely than seniors to have updated their registration multiple times within a five-year period (21% vs 7%). Forty-three percent of young voters updated their registration over the past five years, compared to 27% of those 65+. Young people – the demographic most likely to be renters or relocating for education and early careers – would likely face the most additional paperwork.
Security vs. Access: America’s Election Priorities
The poll reveals Americans are concerned about both election integrity and voting access, though with notable partisan differences. A majority (54%) worry about “fraud and interference in American elections,” with similar levels of concern among Democrats (57%) and Republicans (54%).
However, on the question of whether “America is no longer being a democracy that holds free and fair elections,” a stark partisan divide emerges: 81% of Democrats have this concern compared to just 25% of Republicans.
Balancing Security and Accessibility
The SAVE Act aims to address concerns about election integrity, but the poll data suggests many Americans worry about potential barriers it might create.
The legislation includes provisions that would impose criminal penalties on election officials who register voters without proper documentation. The survey did not measure public opinion on these specific enforcement mechanisms.
As Congress continues to debate this legislation, the data highlights the complex challenge of balancing election security with ensuring eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process.