Trump cites India voter ID in election bill push

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump cited India’s election system on Monday to press for passage of the SAVE America Act, The Hindu reported.

Trump said in a Truth Social post on August 17 that more than 646 million people voted in India’s recent general elections and that less than 1% used postal ballots. He praised India’s system and said every voter had to carry a valid photo identity document.

Trump also said India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had spoken with officials from his administration earlier in the month. “Earlier this month, India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration – How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID,” Trump wrote.

The SAVE America Act would require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote, impose a nationwide voter identification requirement and severely limit voting by mail. Trump has been insisting on passing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, saying it would curb electoral fraud.

Democrats and Republicans remain divided over the issue. The U.S. Senate adjourned for a five-week recess earlier in the month without concrete steps toward passing the bill.