Blog post

As a wealth management firm dedicated to serving Americans living in Canada, we at Beacon Hill Wealth Management understand the unique challenges our clients face when navigating U.S. financial and civic responsibilities from abroad. One topic generating significant concern among our clients is the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2025 and is now under consideration in the Senate. Many of you have reached out to ask how this legislation could affect your ability to vote in U.S. elections from Canada. While there are still many unknowns, we aim to provide clarity on what the SAVE Act proposes, highlight potential implications for Americans abroad, and outline the uncertainties surrounding its future.

What Is the SAVE Act?

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is a bill designed to strengthen voter registration requirements in U.S. federal elections. Its primary goal is to ensure that only U.S. citizens register to vote by requiring individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship—such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate—when registering or updating their voter registration. The legislation also stipulates that this documentation must be presented in person to an election official, a departure from current practices that allow mail or online registration in many states.

While the bill’s stated intent is to prevent non-citizen voting (which is already illegal and rare), its requirements could introduce new hurdles for eligible voters, particularly those living outside the United States. For Americans in Canada, who rely heavily on mail or online processes to participate in U.S. elections, these changes could complicate civic engagement.

How Americans in Canada Currently Vote

To understand the potential impact, it’s helpful to review how voting from abroad works today. Americans living in Canada typically register to vote through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) or their state’s election office, often using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). This process allows registration and ballot requests by mail, email, or online, depending on state rules. Once registered, voters receive absentee ballots, which they return by mail or, in some cases, electronically.

This system, while not perfect, accommodates the realities of living abroad—geographic distance, time zone differences, and reliance on international mail. Many of our clients value the ability to stay engaged in U.S. democracy, whether voting in presidential elections or state-level races tied to their last U.S. residence.

Potential Implications for Americans in Canada

The SAVE Act introduces requirements that could disrupt this process. Here are some of the key issues to consider:

1. In-Person Documentation Requirement
   The proposal to require in-person presentation of a passport or birth certificate poses a significant challenge. For Americans in Canada, traveling to a U.S. election office—often located in the state of last residence—could involve costly and time-consuming trips. For example, a client living in Toronto who votes in New York would need to travel to a county election office in New York to register or update their voter information. This could be particularly burdensome for those in remote areas of Canada or with demanding work and family schedules.
2. Impact on Registration Updates
   Voter registration isn’t a one-time event. Moving within Canada, changing marital status, or updating personal details may require re-registration or updates to voter records. Under the SAVE Act, these routine changes could also trigger the need for an in-person visit to a U.S. election office, potentially discouraging voters from maintaining active registration.
3. Military and Overseas Personnel
   Many of our clients have connections to the U.S. military, either as veterans or family members. The SAVE Act’s requirements could similarly affect active-duty personnel and their families stationed in Canada or elsewhere, raising concerns about access for those serving abroad.
4. Voter Roll Purges
   Some states periodically review voter rolls to remove inactive or ineligible voters. If an American in Canada is inadvertently removed during such a purge, re-registering under the SAVE Act would require an in-person visit, potentially disrupting their ability to vote in upcoming elections.
5. Access to Documentation
   While most Americans in Canada likely have a U.S. passport, not all may have immediate access to a birth certificate or other required documents, especially if their legal name has changed due to marriage or other reasons. Obtaining these documents can involve additional time and expense, particularly for those who need to request records from U.S. vital records offices.
6. Uncertainty Around Implementation
   If the SAVE Act becomes law, states would need to establish processes to comply with its requirements. It’s unclear whether accommodations would be made for overseas voters, such as allowing U.S. embassies or consulates in Canada to serve as registration points. Without such provisions, the logistics of complying with the law could be daunting.

Broader Considerations

Beyond the practical challenges, the SAVE Act raises broader questions for Americans in Canada:

• Time and Cost Barriers: Traveling to the U.S. for voter registration could involve significant expenses—flights, accommodations, and time away from work. For retirees, young professionals, or families, these costs could outweigh the desire to vote, potentially reducing participation.
• Disproportionate Impact: Clients with dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship or those who’ve lived in Canada for decades may feel particularly affected, as their ties to a specific U.S. state may be less immediate. The effort required to maintain voting eligibility could feel like an undue burden.
• Taxation and Representation: Many of our clients remain subject to U.S. tax obligations, such as reporting foreign income or complying with FATCA. The SAVE Act’s potential to limit voting access could amplify feelings of “taxation without representation,” a sentiment already familiar to Americans abroad.

What’s Still Unknown?

As the SAVE Act awaits Senate consideration, several uncertainties remain:

• Will It Pass? The bill faces a high hurdle in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to overcome a potential filibuster. With a slim Republican majority, bipartisan support is uncertain, and opposition from voting rights advocates could influence the outcome.
• Potential Modifications: The version passed by the House may be amended in the Senate. For example, could provisions be added to allow remote verification of citizenship, such as through U.S. embassies or secure online portals? Such changes could mitigate the impact on overseas voters.
• State-Level Implementation: If enacted, states would interpret and implement the law differently. Some might offer workarounds for overseas voters, while others might strictly enforce in-person requirements, creating a patchwork of access.
• Timeline: Even if the bill passes, it’s unclear when its provisions would take effect. Election systems require time to adapt, and legal challenges could delay or alter implementation.

What Can You Do?

While the SAVE Act’s future is uncertain, here are steps you can consider to stay informed and prepared:

• Check Your Voter Registration: Confirm your current registration status with your state’s election office. If you’re not registered or need to update your information, do so now under existing rules.
• Stay Informed: Monitor news about the SAVE Act’s progress in the Senate. Organizations like Democrats Abroad and the Federal Voting Assistance Program provide updates tailored to overseas voters.
• Engage with Representatives: If you have strong feelings about the bill, consider contacting your U.S. senators or representatives. Many advocacy groups offer templates for letters or calls.
• Plan Ahead: If the SAVE Act becomes law, having a valid U.S. passport and other identity documents readily available could simplify compliance. Keep records organized in case you need to verify your citizenship.

Looking Ahead

At Beacon Hill Wealth Management, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of life as Americans in Canada—whether that’s managing cross-border finances or staying engaged in U.S. civic life. The SAVE Act introduces new questions about how you’ll exercise your right to vote, and while its full impact remains uncertain, we encourage proactive awareness. By staying informed and prepared, you can better position yourself to maintain your voice in U.S. elections, no matter where the legislative landscape leads.

For more insights on cross-border living, visit our blog at www.beaconhillwm.ca/blog, and feel free to reach out to our team with any questions about your financial or civic goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or voting advice. For specific guidance on voting, consult your state’s election office or the Federal Voting Assistance Program.