Meryl Streep slams SAVE America Act for creating hurdles for female voters: 'Such pain in the neck'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Meryl Streep on Wednesday, April 2, voiced opposition to the ‘SAVE America Act,’ warning that the legislation would force married women to "go to the registrar and prove that they are who they are" to maintain their right to vote.

Streep argued that the proposed proof of citizenship requirements would unfairly burden married women who have changed their legal surnames, potentially leading to their disqualification at the polls.

Meryl Streep speaks about SAVE America Act  

During her appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ Streep focused on how the 'SAVE America Act' might impact women specifically. 

She also pointed out that many women no longer have the same name found on their original documents, which could lead to trouble at the polls. 

"The Save America Act, if that passes, um, all the married women, that have changed their names, are going to have to go to the registrar and prove that they are who they are," Streep told the audience. 

She warned that these name differences could be used to disqualify voters who have every right to participate.

Meryl Streep demands women 'be heard' amid new election rules

The Academy Award-winning actress expressed deep concern that, without taking proactive steps, women would find themselves locked out of the democratic process this fall. 

"In other words, to your voting registrar. This is what I understand. Otherwise, when you get to the voting booth in November, you might be disqualified because your name doesn't, on your birth certificate, doesn't match your name on the voting rolls," she explained.

Despite the difficulty of the task, she urged women to navigate these potential hurdles to ensure their political influence remains intact.

"And this is such a pain in the neck, because you have to go, but do it. Because otherwise, you'll be turned away. And I think that, um, women need to be heard, especially at this moment," Streep concluded.

How does SAVE America Act change registration?

The core of the debate centers on how the 'SAVE America Act would change the way people register to vote.

If the bill becomes law, anyone signing up would need to show a valid photo ID and official proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate or a US passport.

While the law wouldn't force every single person to re-register, it would likely require updated paperwork for anyone who moves house, switches political parties, or legally changes their name.