Collins’ Vote on Voting Rights Bill Sparks Debate Over Her Moderate Image
WASHINGTON — Maine Senator Susan Collins’ recent decision to support the SAVE America Act, a voting reform bill championed by Donald Trump, has ignited a fierce debate over her long-held reputation as a moderate Republican. The bill, widely criticized by Democrats as a voter suppression measure, passed a crucial hurdle with Collins becoming the 50th Senate supporter, positioning Vice President JD Vance to potentially cast a tie-breaking vote in its favor.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic opponents, who accuse Collins of prioritizing partisan politics over the fundamental right to vote. Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate vying to challenge Collins in November, stated on social media, “Susan Collins wants to make it harder to vote. She just bailed out Trump and cosponsored the ‘SAVE Act.’ Under this terrible bill, if you get married and change your name, or if you can’t find your passport — you could be turned away from the polls.”
Critics point to Collins’ voting record as evidence that her “moderate” label is a misnomer. According to a recent scorecard, she has voted with Donald Trump 96% of the time, a rate comparable to that of staunch conservatives like Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. This pattern, observers say, contradicts the image of a senator willing to forge her own path.
The SAVE America Act would impose a nationwide voter photo ID requirement and mandate proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Opponents argue these measures will disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters, students, and low-income individuals who may face barriers in obtaining the required documentation.
Collins, however, defends her support for the bill, arguing that requiring photo identification and proof of citizenship are “simple reforms that will improve the security of our federal elections and will help give people more confidence in the results.” She likened the requirement to presenting identification when boarding an airplane or purchasing alcohol.
However, critics note Collins’ past opposition to pro-voting rights legislation. During the Biden administration, she opposed both the For the People Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, as well as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. In one instance, she reportedly opposed a bill aimed at restoring and strengthening the Voting Rights Act, citing its length – 700 pages – as a reason for her opposition.
The senator’s stance also appears inconsistent, critics say. While supporting the SAVE Act based on the principle of states’ rights, she has simultaneously backed legislation that would impose uniform voting standards across all states, even those with “successfully conducting elections for a very long time.”
Collins’ past statements on election integrity have been called into question. In 2021, she expressed support for disclosing “dark money” in campaigns, yet she voted against the DISCLOSE Act in 2010, which would have done just that.
The decision to support the SAVE America Act came just weeks after Collins was photographed in the Oval Office with Donald Trump, holding a red MAGA hat, while he repeated unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. This image, critics argue, underscores her alignment with Trump’s agenda and casts doubt on her commitment to free and fair elections.
Maine voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on Collins’ record this November, as she faces a challenge from Democratic Governor Janet Mills and other contenders. The debate over her support for the SAVE America Act is likely to be a central issue in the upcoming election, forcing voters to consider whether her actions align with her long-cultivated image as a moderate.
