Among its [SAFE Act] changes, the bill would require everyone registering to vote or updating their registration information to present documentary proof of citizenship in person. Recent studies have shown that millions of eligible voters lack easy access to documents that prove their citizenship, like a passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers.

As many as 21.3 million U.S. citizens — more than 9% of voters — do not have such documents readily available, and over 3.8 million people — around 2% of voters — don’t have any form of proof, according to recent survey results gathered by the Brennan Center for Justice and other organizations.

The law would disproportionately affect voters of color. Millions of people who have taken their spouse’s last name — which includes approximately 69 million married women — and people who have changed their names may also face difficulty when registering or updating registration info because the law doesn’t specify what documents would be accepted to prove their identity.

Rural voters or people with disabilities would be affected as well, because the measure requires documents to be presented in person, which also undermines mail and online registration systems and voter registration drives.

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One object of The SAFE Act is to make it more difficult for non-citizens to obtain voting rights. I agree with that. It should also make it easier for citizens to obtain necessary documentation for voter registration. And, it should have a provision to make sure valid voters are not purged from the voter rolls.