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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Support SAVE Act

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the America First Policy Institute's Governors' Council sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging them to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. You can find the letter here.

"Protecting the security of American elections is among the most basic responsibilities and fundamental duties of those elected to represent the American people," wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. "The SAVE America Act is a commonsense measure seeking to ensure that American elections are decided by, and only by, American citizens. Our constituents deserve to know that their votes are protected and that elections in this country are free, fair, and secure."

While most states require photo identification to vote in federal elections, 14 states currently do not. This absence of appropriate safeguards hinders the integrity of our election system. The SAVE Act would establish clear and consistent standards to strengthen election security nationwide. The resources required and timeline for implementation are both reasonable and achievable.

"We recognize that implementation of the SAVE America Act must be carried out appropriately, with adequate resources and reasonable timelines," continued Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. "We are committed to partnering with our state election officials to ensure that no eligible American citizen is unduly burdened in exercising their right to vote."

Governor Rhoden was joined in signing this letter by former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

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