Experts tell committee SAVE flags overstate problems; states should prioritize state DMV/DPS data first

David Becker, senior official at the Center for Election Innovation and Research, told the committee SAVE flags are a screening tool, not proof of noncitizenship, and that state motor‑vehicle records are usually the most accurate source for confirming citizenship. "It would be inaccurate to say that any SAVE flag is a confirmation of non citizenship," Becker said.

CEIR's analysis of multiple states shows initial federal flags often collapse after local officials cross‑check higher‑quality state data and contact voters. Becker and other witnesses urged a two‑step approach: use state DMV/DPS files first to confirm as many records as possible, then apply federal matches to a much smaller set. Several witnesses also warned that rushed or poorly resourced county follow‑ups can wrongly cancel some eligible voters and urged funding and clear procedures for counties to document and reinstate voters quickly when errors are found.

Conservative and civil‑liberties witnesses diverged on remedies: some urged documentary proof of citizenship or bifurcated federal/state rolls, while civil‑rights groups warned sweeping proof‑of‑citizenship laws would disproportionately burden rural and minority voters and recommended investments in online registration and county staffing instead.