Mary Rooke Commentary and Analysis Writer
Democratic Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan took to X to critique the SAVE America Act (H.R. 22), which mandates documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration. In it, he implicitly insults the intelligence and capability of millions of American women by treating a routine life event as if it were an insurmountable intellectual or logistical catastrophe.
Pocan seemed particularly focused on potential barriers like costs and name mismatches for married women. He likely thought this was the perfect way to rile up Democratic voters by incorrectly claiming that this was going to prevent women from voting. However, he omitted important factual information and, even more troubling, seemed to admit that women are incapable of obtaining their passports or birth certificates to accompany their photo IDs during registration.
“There seems to be some confusion about the SAVE America Act. If it becomes law, you will NOT be able to vote with your drivers license alone. You’d need: 1. A passport, which more than half of Americans don’t have and costs at least $130 OR 2. A birth certificate PLUS your photo ID with matching names, which nearly 70 million married women lack OR 3. Military services papers (not a military ID alone) with sensitive info. I’m voting NO,” Pocan wrote.
There seems to be some confusion about the SAVE America Act. If it becomes law, you will NOT be able to vote with your drivers license alone.
You’d need:1. A passport, which more than half of Americans don’t have and costs at least $130
OR
2. A birth certificate PLUS your…— Rep. Mark Pocan (@RepMarkPocan) February 10, 2026
It’s important to note that the bill requires proof of citizenship during voter registration, not at polling places, where a driver’s license is sufficient. Requiring someone to be eligible to vote in U.S. elections is a reasonable safeguard that a majority of Americans on both sides of the aisle support. It’s no different than the already established ID requirements for passports, driver’s licenses, or even opening a bank account. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
Pocan’s condescension toward women, particularly those who’ve changed their names after marriage, was likely unintended. He wanted to get rabid leftists to believe the lie that Republicans are trying to bar women from voting in the midterms. “They hate you. Don’t you see?”
But by implying that a birth certificate with a maiden name won’t suffice alongside a current photo ID, he suggests women are somehow too overwhelmed or inept to resolve this. In reality, millions of women handle far more complex tasks daily. Even radical leftist female voters are capable of solving this problem.
While it might be shocking for Pocan to hear this, it’s true that for decades women have been able to update legal documents after marriage for taxes, banking, employment, or travel. Courts and election offices routinely process applications to bridge name discrepancies, and doing this is no more burdensome than renewing a license.
You need all this for a Real ID. Protecting elections from fraud is much more important than the right to drive. All married women have to do is bring a MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE which they ALSO have, since you NEED to show your marriage certificate in order to get your driver license…
— Peachy Keenan (@KeenanPeachy) February 11, 2026
In his rush to claim that Republicans are sexist, he seemingly admits that Democrats have a shockingly negative view of female capabilities. Some correctly call this the bigotry of low expectations. Does he truly believe that women are suddenly befuddled by a simple voter registration form? Apparently, they are smart enough to run the most important country in the world (the U.S.), juggle careers, families, and mortgages, but handling a name discrepancy is a bridge too far.
“They could be president if only they weren’t fragile victims of paperwork. (sad face)” (Loophole In Birthright Citizenship Lets Adversaries Build Undetectable Spy Networks)
You’re party can’t have it both ways, Pocan. Either women rule the world, and we must listen to everything they say, or a simple ID requirement is too complicated for their little brains to handle.
Follow Mary Rooke on X: @MaryRooke