Fact Check: Will the SAVE America Act get rid of mail voting, as Trump claimed in his SOTU speech?

WASHINGTON, DC: Mail-in voting in the United States allows eligible voters to cast their votes by mail or by drop-off instead of in person on Election Day. It has grown significantly over the years, with millions using it in recent elections.

Interestingly, during President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech on Tuesday, February 24, the POTUS said that the SAVE America Act will help in getting rid of mail voting. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: SAVE America Act will get rid of mail voting

Donald Trump said during his SOTU speech on Tuesday, "I’m asking you to approve the SAVE America Act...." 

"It’s very simple, all voters must show voter ID. All voters must show proof of citizenship. No more crooked mail-in ballots, except for illness, disability, military, or travel," the POTUS added.

He also said, "Both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly agree on the policy that we just enunciated, and Congress should act and unite this common sense, country-saving legislation. It should be before anything else happens."

Fact Check: False, the bill does not eliminate or ban mail voting

The claims made by Donald Trump are not true, as the SAVE America Act, which was approved by the House but has not passed the Senate, does not eliminate or ban mail voting.

Moreover, the bill imposes new requirements on the process, such as making it mandatory for voters to submit photocopies of government-issued photo ID when both requesting and returning an absentee/mail ballot. 

Even if it is passed, mail voting would still be available to eligible voters who meet these and other verification steps. However, the added hurdles could make it more difficult or burdensome for some.

The legislation focuses mainly on voter registration and identification requirements for federal elections. It amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require documentary proof of US citizenship for registration, including mail-based registration.

However, it does not prohibit states from offering mail voting options or require excuses for absentee ballots, contrary to some promotional claims that were considered but not included in the final House-passed version.