“What they’re trying to do here is the same thing that was done in the South for decades: to prevent people of color from voting,” said Schumer.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was left stunned on Thursday after learning that 71 percent of Democratic voters support nationwide voter ID laws. Despite the data presented to him showing bipartisan popularity for the GOP Save Act, Schumer maintained his position that voter ID is "Jim Crow 2.0," and vowed to shut down the effort in the Senate.
He made the remarks during an appearance with MSNow's "Morning Joe," in which the host provided Schumer with the facts. Speaking about nationwide voter ID laws with the SAVE Act, the host asked Schumer: "95 percent of Republicans, but also 71 percent of Democrats, like this idea. So why do you not?"
Schumer, standing with a shocked expression on his face, responded: "It's Jim Crow 2.0....What they're trying to do here is the same thing that was done in the South for decades: to prevent people of color from voting."
"If you can't find a proper ID," he continued, "You will be discriminated against. This is vicious and nasty. And I said to our Republican colleagues, 'It will not pass the Senate. You will not get a single democratic vote in the Senate.' We're not reviving Jim Crow all over the country."
The GOP SAVE Act, also known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, is a Republican-backed bill aimed at strengthening voting laws for federal elections. The bill requires individuals to present proof of citizenship, such as REAL-ID-compliant identifications, passports, or birth certificates, to vote in federal elections. Additionally, the legislation prohibits states from registering voters without proper identification.
President Donald Trump ran on implementing voter ID laws in the 2024 presidential election cycle. The president has long maintained that lax voter laws threaten the sanctity of US elections.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
