By Maureen Sullivan and Laura Hayes
REGION – Question 4 asks voters whether they approve of a recently-passed law allowing Massachusetts residents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a driver’s license or permit if they meet the other requirements for doing so.
This law does not allow people who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a REAL ID, according to the Secretary of State’s website.
The law requires that applicants for a driver’s license or learner’s permit shall attest, under the pains and penalties of perjury, that their license has not been suspended or revoked in any other state, country or jurisdiction.
A “yes” vote on Question 4 — which is supported by candidates Stephen Fishman, Kate Donaghue, Jamie Eldridge, Meghan Kilcoyne and Robyn Kennedy — would keep the law on the books. Supporters say this would improve public safety.
“It will be able to keep our roads safe,” said Donaghue. “It’s safer to have drivers who are tested and licensed, and safer when the cars are registered and insured.”
Kennedy said part of her support for the ballot question comes after talking to police chiefs, noting that people who need to get to their jobs, appointments or store needed to drive.
“It benefits all of us on the roads when everyone on the road has taken a driver’s test has a license and is insured,” Kennedy said.
Local candidates Jonathan Hostage, Mike Vulcano, Hannah Kane and Lisa Mair voiced support for voting “no” on Question 4.
“I got 1,000 signatures to get that question on the ballot,” Hostage said.
Mair noted that some businesses rely on undocumented immigrants.
“Undocumented workers do play a valuable part in our communities. So, I would like them to be able to work and get to work legally and not be breaking the law, but I think there is a better answer than number four,” she said.
Mair noted that other states gave a permit, also voicing concerns about the possibility that they may enrolled to vote through the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
