Massachusetts voters keep new immigrant driver's license law
By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press
BOSTON - Massachusetts voters have voted against repealing a new law allowing immigrants who are in the country illegally to obtain state driver's licenses.
Check: Massachusetts Ballot Questions Results
The measure became law after the Democrat-controlled Massachusetts House and Senate overrode a veto by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in June. Republicans pushed the ballot question to repeal the law. Voters opted instead to keep it by approving Question No. 4 on the ballot.
Under the new law, people in the country illegally will be able to apply for a driver's license if they can provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or consular identification document.
They will also have to provide one of five additional documents: a driver's license from another U.S. state or territory; a birth certificate; a foreign national identification card; a foreign driver's license; or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory.
The law was a win for immigrant rights groups that had long pushed for the measure, framing it in part as a public safety measure.
They said that under the law those seeking licenses will have to show they can properly operate a car and get insurance for their car in the event of a crash.
Critics, including outgoing Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and GOP candidate for governor Geoff Diehl, said the law could make it easier for those in the country illegally to be able to vote. Diehl and the state Republican party helped lead the effort to repeal the law. Supporters say the law takes steps to guard against illegal voting.
The new law is set to take effect July 1, 2023. Massachusetts will join 16 other states and the District of Columbia that have similar laws.