SAVE Act Puts Voting Rights of Americans Abroad at Risk

Vienna, Austria, August 2025: All eyes are now on the Senate, where a critical vote on the SAVE Act (H.R.22) is expected soon. President Trump signed the Executive Order on March 25, 2025, and the bill narrowly passed the House on April 10 by a 220–208 vote. To become law, it must clear the 60-vote threshold, a decision that could determine the future of voting rights for millions of Americans abroad.

The SAVE Act would restrict mail-in and online voter registration by requiring in-person identity verification. This, in effect, would undo protections from the 1993 National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

For Americans abroad, the bill is particularly concerning. Expats rely almost entirely on absentee ballots. Voting rights advocates warn the bill could make it harder, or even impossible, for expats to register, effectively taking away their right to vote.

Now, they are asking a hard question: if you lose your say in US democracy, should you still have to pay US taxes?”

The 2024 MyExpatTaxes US Election Survey, the largest of its kind, includes responses from 1,477 Americans living in 89 countries. The results show just how deeply expats feel this tension. 64% agreed with the sentiment that “no taxation without representation” still applies today. Nearly 60% said they would give up the right to vote if it meant not having to file US taxes. At the same time, 73% reported casting ballots from abroad, underscoring how vital absentee voting remains.

As lawmakers debate these changes, one thing is clear: stripping voting rights while upholding tax obligations risks further alienating millions of Americans abroad.

Our survey shows expats are watching closely, and the outcome could reshape how millions of Americans abroad engage with US democracy in the years to come.

Want the full picture? Download the 2024 US Election Survey, the most comprehensive record of expat voices on voting. Get exclusive insights into what Americans need to know about taxes and voting when living abroad.