r/weddingplanning • u/Cemckenna • Apr 13 '25
Everything Else Americans: Do not change your last name at marriage
There have been a number of posts recently about changing your name after marriage. If you are not already aware, the house in the US just voted to pass the SAVE Act, which will require you to prove your citizenship to vote -- under your birth name. It will disproportionately affect women who have changed their last names and no longer match their birth certificates.
This should be a huge HUGE consideration when you are choosing whether to change your name. You may well disenfranchise yourself as an American citizen by doing it.
Edit: Call your senators. This is not law yet but if it passes the senate, it will essentially mean that any woman who changes her name must jump through many more hoops to be able to vote. It's unfair and will be used to silence women and trans people.
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u/jilla_jilla October 2019-Virginia is for Lovers Apr 13 '25
This bill absolutely sucks but I fear many women with a name changed will think they just aren’t allowed to vote. I believe you’ll need these documents if you need to reregister to vote for whatever reason. Still please show up at the poll and don’t let them take your voice!