Here’s how REAL ID may impact voting

The federal government is set to enforce REAL ID travel requirements starting this Wednesday, as part of an effort to enhance security measures and crack down on voter registration to verify that only U.S. citizens are participating in U.S. elections. While REAL ID can be used as an additional form of identification for voters, legislation such as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act is making its way through Congress to ensure that only citizens are casting their ballots.

The implementation of REAL ID coincides with the House’s recent passage of the SAVE Act in April, which requires states to mandate in-person proof of citizenship for individuals looking to vote in federal elections. This measure is now moving to the Senate for further consideration.

REAL ID is one of the documents that can be used to prove U.S. citizenship under the SAVE Act. It meets high security standards established by the federal government, and compliant IDs have a star on them. Other acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a military ID with a U.S. birthplace listed, or a valid government-issued photo ID with a U.S. birthplace or coupled with a birth certificate indicating U.S. birthplace.

While having a REAL ID does not automatically prove citizenship, some states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont offer a REAL ID option specifically for U.S. citizens that aligns with the SAVE Act requirements. Lawmakers supporting the SAVE Act hope that more states will adopt citizen-only REAL IDs to comply with the legislation.

The enforcement of REAL ID comes after years of delays by the federal government, following the legislation’s passage in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks to bolster driver’s license security standards. The Trump administration has emphasized the May 7 deadline for REAL ID implementation, citing the need for enhanced security measures to address illegal immigration and support the administration’s deportation efforts.

Individuals without a REAL ID traveling after the deadline must use alternative forms of identification like a U.S. passport or military ID. Despite its intended security benefits, REAL ID has sparked controversy among lawmakers, with some Republicans expressing concerns about privacy and the creation of a national ID system.

In conclusion, the rollout of REAL ID represents a significant step towards bolstering security measures and verifying voter eligibility. As the deadline approaches, individuals are encouraged to ensure they have the necessary identification to comply with the new requirements.

Diana Stancy, a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House, contributed to this report.