The Massachusetts House and Senate voted to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of a bill that allows illegal migrants to obtain state driver’s licenses.
The state Senate voted 32-8 a day after the House voted 119-36 to pass the bill. Both chambers are controlled by Democrats.
According to H.4805 – which takes effect July 1, 2023 – illegal migrants can apply for a driver’s license if they are able to show proof of their identity and residency in Massachusetts.
Governor Baker opposed the bill because he said it “undoes a critical safeguard to the driver’s license issuance process” saying in a letter to lawmakers last month, adding
“Consequently, a standard Massachusetts driver’s license will no longer confirm that a person is who they say they are.”
Republican Sen. Bruce Tarr said that the licenses could pose unintended problems,
“We’re creating a tremendous opportunity that it could be abused for purposes for which it is not intended,” he said. “It also creates an incredible threat to the integrity of the electoral process.”
Governor Baker agreed saying that the new law would significantly increases the risk that illegal migrants will be registered to vote.
Geoff Diehl, a Republican candidate for governor, said Thursday that he would support a ballot question to repeal the new law.
Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have similar laws.
