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50% of Americans Lack Passports, Risking Voting Rights

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) said 50% of Americans lack a passport, which could affect voting under the SAVE Act.
Durbin noted that obtaining a passport costs $186 and takes weeks.
Durbin asserted that about 9% of voters may be disenfranchised by identification requirements.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.) questioned how the SAVE Act disenfranchises voters.

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Story summary

U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) said 50% of Americans lack a passport, which could affect voting under the SAVE Act.
Durbin noted that obtaining a passport costs $186 and takes weeks.
Durbin asserted that about 9% of voters may be disenfranchised by identification requirements.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.) questioned how the SAVE Act disenfranchises voters.