Pop icon Cyndi Lauper is facing both support and criticism after voicing her opposition to the Republican-backed SAVE (Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility) Act. Lauper took to Instagram to warn her followers about the bill, claiming it is not about preventing voter fraud, but rather an attempt at voter suppression.
In a passionate Instagram video, Lauper urged Americans, particularly women, to speak out against the legislation. “It’s me, Cyndi. Don’t be fooled. The SAVE Act is not about protecting against voter fraud — it’s about voter suppression. Congress is trying to pass the SAVE Act to make it harder to vote, especially for millions of women,” she said.
Lauper escalated her message, tying the fight for voting rights to a broader struggle over personal freedoms. “First, they come after our right to control our bodies, and now they’re coming after our right to vote. So, we must stop them,” she declared, calling on her followers to contact their senators and voice opposition to the bill.
Fans Respond to Lauper’s Political Stand
The video sparked a flurry of reactions, both supportive and critical. Some fans expressed frustration with Lauper’s political involvement, with one user commenting, “Stick to performing and stop with politics.”
Others criticized her delivery, with remarks like, “Wow… I can see by the reflection behind you it appears you are reading off a teleprompter. How much money were you paid for this FALSE ADVERTISEMENT?”
However, many fans rallied behind Lauper, with one writing, “I’m with you 100%,” and another saying, “I love it when people who I thought were cool, end up still being cool AF and doing the right thing!” A third fan responded, “Its all suppression. Suppression of women! Preach, Queen! Stand up!”
Meryl Streep and Other Celebrities Weigh In
Lauper is not the only celebrity to speak out against the SAVE Act. Actress Meryl Streep also raised concerns about the bill, particularly for married women who may face complications with voter registration due to name changes.
During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Streep explained that married women might need to prove their identity at the registrar to ensure they are not disqualified at the voting booth.
“I hope that the Save America Act, if that passes, all the married women that have changed their names are going to have to go to the registrar and prove that they are who they are,” Streep said.
“Otherwise, when you get to the voting booth in November, you might be disqualified because your name doesn’t match your name on the voting rolls.”
The SAVE Act Controversy
Democrats have strongly criticized the SAVE Act, arguing that it could limit voting access, especially for vulnerable groups. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer went so far as to compare the proposal to “Jim Crow 2.0,” suggesting that the bill would disproportionately affect poor people and people of color.
“They make it so hard to get any kind of voter ID that more than 20 million legitimate people… will not be able to vote under this law,” Schumer said.
Republicans, however, argue that the SAVE Act is necessary to protect election integrity and prevent fraud without disenfranchising eligible voters. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) defended the bill, pointing out that it includes provisions to ensure no one is unfairly excluded.
He also noted that women who have changed their names due to marriage would simply need to sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury to confirm their identity.
Key Provisions of the SAVE Act
The SAVE Act includes several key measures aimed at voter eligibility and election security. It would require proof of citizenship to vote, mandate states to verify and remove noncitizens from voter rolls, and expand coordination with federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill also imposes new criminal penalties for those who attempt to register noncitizens to vote.
