Real ID is about to go into effect. Here's how it may impact voting
Context:
The REAL ID Act, set to take effect on May 7, aims to enhance security by ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections, coinciding with the House's passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The SAVE Act requires states to obtain in-person proof of citizenship, with REAL ID being one of the acceptable forms of identification. While some states, such as Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont, offer REAL IDs only to U.S. citizens, others provide options for legal residents, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the system. The implementation of REAL ID, originally passed in 2005 as a response to 9/11, has been delayed until now, with the Trump administration emphasizing its role in addressing illegal immigration. The introduction of REAL ID has sparked debate, with supporters citing national security benefits and critics warning of potential infringements on personal liberties and the creation of a national ID system.
Dive Deeper:
REAL ID will be mandatory starting May 7, aligning with legislative efforts like the SAVE Act to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections by requiring states to verify citizenship at the polls.
The SAVE Act, recently passed by the House, mandates in-person proof of citizenship, with REAL ID serving as one of the acceptable forms, alongside U.S. passports and military IDs.
Despite being a step toward securing elections, REAL ID does not inherently prove citizenship, as it is available to legal residents in most states. However, a few states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont issue REAL IDs only to U.S. citizens, aligning with SAVE Act requirements.
The REAL ID Act, initially passed in 2005 following the 9/11 attacks, has faced multiple delays but is now being enforced, with the Trump administration setting the final deadline for compliance and linking it to immigration control measures.
The rollout of REAL ID has generated controversy, with advocates arguing it enhances national security and critics expressing concerns about privacy and the potential establishment of a national identification system.