Pearl Jam urges fans to call senators to oppose SAVE Act: 'Make your voice heard'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rock band Pearl Jam is against the SAVE America Act. They posted on social media about voter suppression and shared a phone number for people to speak up. This came after President Donald Trump said that everyone should show proof they are a citizen to vote.

He called this law his top priority. He also said he will not sign any other bills until this law passes, saying it is very important to him. The Senate started a long debate on the SAVE America Act on Tuesday, March 17. The bill would make people show proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a photo ID when voting.

Pearl Jam wants voters to say no to SAVE America Act

Pearl Jam is urging fans to act against the SAVE America Act. In a Facebook post, the band shared a map with the caption, “Make your voice heard. Call your senators today and let them know that you oppose all forms of voter suppression. Tell them to VOTE NO on the SAVE Act.” 

The post included the phone number for the US Capitol, 202-224-3121, so people could call their senators directly. The graphic, made by the nonprofit Rock the Vote, said, “Proof of citizenship may sound simple. It is not.”

The post has drawn a lot of attention, earning 5.6k reactions and counting. Citizens’ responses have been mixed since it was shared. Many praised Pearl Jam for using their platform to highlight voter rights, while others debated the issue online.

Senate begins debate on controversial Voter ID bill

Senators on Tuesday voted 51-48 to begin debating the SAVE America Act, despite opposition from Sen. Lisa Murkowski. As per The Hill, Sen Thom Tillis did not participate in the vote. The legislation still faces a challenging path, as it needs 60 votes to end debate and move to a final vote.

The vote comes amid mounting pressure from Trump, who has urged Republicans to implement stricter voter ID rules ahead of the midterm elections. Speaking to GOP lawmakers in Florida last week, Trump warned, “It will guarantee the midterms. If you don’t get it, big trouble.”

“Trump says pass the SAVE Act and it will ‘guarantee the midterms,’” he added.

What Is the SAVE America Act?

The SAVE America Act would require voters to show a photo ID for federal elections. It would also ask for proof of US citizenship when registering to vote. States would need to remove noncitizens from their voter lists, as per Reuters.

The bill passed the House last month, but it faces a tough fight in the Senate, where similar proposals have often failed due to strong Democratic opposition.

Critics say the law could make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Some people may not have a passport or birth certificate, or their documents might not match their current name, as per the Southern Poverty Law Centre.