Mary Beth Williams
@mbwilliams.bsky.social
Made from Maine Wabanakiak, Isles of Shoals fishermen, and Welsh coal miners. Oregon transplant. Constitutional law and state/tribal/fed gov't wonk (JD). North Atlantic historian obsessed with wampum, cod fishing, and dual-host pathogens.
In summary, the freshly amended SAVE Act language submitted by House GOP is lipstick on a pig. It doesn't resolve the name discrepancy issues, still requires in person presentation of documents, federalizes voter lists through DHS, and will cost state and local election offices a lot of $ to run.
February 8, 2026 at 2:02 AM
In summary, the freshly amended SAVE Act language submitted by House GOP is lipstick on a pig. It doesn't resolve the name discrepancy issues, still requires in person presentation of documents, federalizes voter lists through DHS, and will cost state and local election offices a lot of $ to run.
The amended bill now requires within 30 days of passage that states send a list of eligible voter to DHS through the established SAVE system. If a person is flagged in the system, the state has to follow up to determine citizenship. It likely violates anti-commandeering doctrine under Printz. 5/x
February 8, 2026 at 2:02 AM
The amended bill now requires within 30 days of passage that states send a list of eligible voter to DHS through the established SAVE system. If a person is flagged in the system, the state has to follow up to determine citizenship. It likely violates anti-commandeering doctrine under Printz. 5/x
All citizenship documents still need to be shown to an election official IN PERSON. Even if you're registering by mail or through motor-voter processes. If you work during regular gov't business hours, you'll need to take time off. Disabled? You'll have to wait until rules are enacted. 4/x
February 8, 2026 at 2:02 AM
All citizenship documents still need to be shown to an election official IN PERSON. Even if you're registering by mail or through motor-voter processes. If you work during regular gov't business hours, you'll need to take time off. Disabled? You'll have to wait until rules are enacted. 4/x
The voter registration section still doesn't address that nearly half of all Americans don't have passports and that state-issued licences/ID—even REAL ID—don't include citizenship (unless you're in WA, MN, MI, NY, and VT.) So those still need to show their birth certificate or naturalization. 3/x
February 8, 2026 at 2:02 AM
The voter registration section still doesn't address that nearly half of all Americans don't have passports and that state-issued licences/ID—even REAL ID—don't include citizenship (unless you're in WA, MN, MI, NY, and VT.) So those still need to show their birth certificate or naturalization. 3/x
The problem is people with non-matching names STILL must wait for their state to set up a process—subject to rules adopted by the FEC/EAC. There is no requirement that this be done before the election, and every state can make up its own rules. Drafters didn't even remove the old section. 2/x
February 8, 2026 at 2:02 AM
The problem is people with non-matching names STILL must wait for their state to set up a process—subject to rules adopted by the FEC/EAC. There is no requirement that this be done before the election, and every state can make up its own rules. Drafters didn't even remove the old section. 2/x
I so appreciate Judge Kasubhai, along with the rest of the bench here in Eugene (Mike McShane and Ann Aiken.) Kasubhai also released a great opinion a couple of days ago on warrantless arrests.
February 6, 2026 at 10:25 PM
I so appreciate Judge Kasubhai, along with the rest of the bench here in Eugene (Mike McShane and Ann Aiken.) Kasubhai also released a great opinion a couple of days ago on warrantless arrests.
Zepbound is the exact same price as it is on the Eli Lilly Direct page (where I buy it.) Has the same requirements (must purchase every 45 days to keep the discounted price for higher doses.)
February 6, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Zepbound is the exact same price as it is on the Eli Lilly Direct page (where I buy it.) Has the same requirements (must purchase every 45 days to keep the discounted price for higher doses.)
I've been warning about it for 2 years. Discovered through statutory construction analysis that discrepancies in documents would lead to problems with name changes; REAL ID cannot be used as stand-alone photo ID in 45 states + DC; and citizenship can only be proven IN-PERSON. It's a hot, hot mess.
February 5, 2026 at 11:49 PM
I've been warning about it for 2 years. Discovered through statutory construction analysis that discrepancies in documents would lead to problems with name changes; REAL ID cannot be used as stand-alone photo ID in 45 states + DC; and citizenship can only be proven IN-PERSON. It's a hot, hot mess.
A REAL ID doesn’t suffice unless you live in one of 5 northern border states that have “enhanced” IDs and list citizenship on the front.
February 5, 2026 at 3:17 AM
A REAL ID doesn’t suffice unless you live in one of 5 northern border states that have “enhanced” IDs and list citizenship on the front.
It’s going to make it harder for pretty much everyone who does not have a US passport, or have REAL ID and live in one of 5 states (WA, MI, NY, VT, or MN). REAL ID does NOT prove citizenship, outside those states, and all others need to carry their birth certificate or naturalization papers to vote.
February 5, 2026 at 3:14 AM
It’s going to make it harder for pretty much everyone who does not have a US passport, or have REAL ID and live in one of 5 states (WA, MI, NY, VT, or MN). REAL ID does NOT prove citizenship, outside those states, and all others need to carry their birth certificate or naturalization papers to vote.
I might have a timer I could drop off with the mats, if hubs wouldn't mind setting it up while you're gone. Below freezing temps, even with a blanket, are likely to chill your little baby plants.
February 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
I might have a timer I could drop off with the mats, if hubs wouldn't mind setting it up while you're gone. Below freezing temps, even with a blanket, are likely to chill your little baby plants.
Will nighttime temps be a problem? Can I donate to your venture with a couple of 10"x20" nursery heating mats? (I ordered more than I'll need, delivery tomorrow.) I can drop them off Friday when I take K up to LCC. :)
February 4, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Will nighttime temps be a problem? Can I donate to your venture with a couple of 10"x20" nursery heating mats? (I ordered more than I'll need, delivery tomorrow.) I can drop them off Friday when I take K up to LCC. :)
I need to take my kid to class, but may continue this thread when I return.
February 3, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I need to take my kid to class, but may continue this thread when I return.
I honestly can't say if they muddled the REAL ID issue on purpose; there's no smoking gun in the text of the bill—unlike for non-matching ID and citizenship documents.
February 3, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I honestly can't say if they muddled the REAL ID issue on purpose; there's no smoking gun in the text of the bill—unlike for non-matching ID and citizenship documents.
If your REAL ID isn't from one of the 5 northern border states, you will need to provide a US passport or a military or gov't-issued photo ID that lists your place of birth. Otherwise, you must show your birth certificate, adoption, or naturalization record and they must match your gov't-issued ID.
February 3, 2026 at 8:10 PM
If your REAL ID isn't from one of the 5 northern border states, you will need to provide a US passport or a military or gov't-issued photo ID that lists your place of birth. Otherwise, you must show your birth certificate, adoption, or naturalization record and they must match your gov't-issued ID.