Democrats have spent years insisting that voter ID laws are an intolerable assault on democracy. According to their talking points, requiring proof of citizenship and identity at the ballot box is racist, sexist, exclusionary, and a relic of Jim Crow. Now that Republicans are moving to codify basic election safeguards through the SAVE Act, the hysteria has kicked back into high gear.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is about as radical as asking someone to show ID before boarding a plane. The bill would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, tighten voter roll maintenance, and close loopholes that make fraud easier and accountability harder. In other words, it does exactly what Americans assume already happens.

That’s precisely why Democrats hate it.

This week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer revived the party’s favorite scare line, branding voter ID requirements “Jim Crow 2.0” as Republicans push the SAVE Act forward. It’s the same rhetorical play Democrats always reach for when polling turns against them. And polling has turned — hard. Large majorities of Americans, including minorities and independents, support voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements.

The timing of Schumer’s remarks made the performance especially awkward.

Chuck Schumer doubles down on saying commonsense voter ID is "right-wing" "Jim Crow 2.0" as a screen shows overwhelming support between Republicans and Democrats.

Total moron. pic.twitter.com/sg7NRdMZ5g

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 5, 2026

As Schumer spoke, viewers were being reminded that the public overwhelmingly supports the very policies he was denouncing. That moment encapsulates the problem Democrats are facing. They aren’t losing the argument because Americans don’t understand the SAVE Act. They’re losing because Americans do understand it — and agree with it.

Rather than engage on the merits, Democrats have responded with escalating accusations. Rep. Jamie Raskin recently expanded the list, arguing that voter ID laws and the SAVE Act are not only racist, but also sexist. Yes, sexist of all things. Apparently asking voters to confirm their identity is now an attack on women.

That argument collapses instantly. Women show ID constantly — to travel, enroll children in school, pick up prescriptions, cash checks, buy alcohol, and enter government buildings. None of that is described as sexist. But when Republicans propose applying the same standard to federal elections through the SAVE Act, Democrats suddenly discover a civil rights crisis.

This week, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) offered a bizarre argument against Voter ID: the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, if passed, would likely violate the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. It is an entirely meritless suggestion … https://t.co/3Ui1JeCmCq

— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) February 8, 2026

What they can’t produce is evidence. There is no data showing voter ID laws suppress turnout. There is no proof the SAVE Act would disenfranchise lawful voters. And there is no explanation for why voting should be the lone activity in modern America that requires no verification at all.

The hypocrisy becomes impossible to ignore when you look at how Democrats behave outside the talking points. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a vocal opponent of voter ID and the SAVE Act, recently required government-issued photo ID for attendees at his own campaign event. Names were checked. IDs were verified. No ID, no entry.

Apparently, identity verification is oppressive when it applies to elections — but essential when it applies to Democrat politicians.

…That was particularly glaring this week when Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) required people to show an ID to attend his campaign events after opposing an ID requirement to vote. So if you want to hear Ossoff speak against voter ID, you will have to show your ID.

— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) February 8, 2026

Taken together, these moments expose the real reason Democrats oppose the SAVE Act. It’s not because the bill is unfair. It’s because it introduces accountability. The SAVE Act tightens eligibility rules, closes loopholes, and reassures voters that federal elections are being taken seriously.

Public opinion has already decided this issue. Roughly 80 percent of Americans support voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. That’s not a fringe position. That’s a national consensus. The more Democrats scream “Jim Crow,” the clearer it becomes that the argument has collapsed.

The SAVE Act isn’t radical. It’s common sense. And the louder Democrats protest it, the more obvious their double standard becomes.