BOSTON — Question 4 of the Massachusetts statewide November ballot is about access to driver’s licenses. Representatives from both sides of this issue debated in the CBS Boston studio, moderated by political analyst Jon Keller.

As summarized in the Secretary of State’s Election Guide:

This law allows Massachusetts residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the United States to obtain a standard driver’s license or learner’s permit if they meet all other requirements for a standard license or a learner’s permit, including a road test and insurance, and provide proof of their identity, date of birth and residence. The law provides that, when processing an application for a license or learner’s license or motor vehicle registration, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles cannot request or create a citizenship or status record. applicant’s immigration status, unless otherwise required by law. . This law does not allow people who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the United States to obtain a TRUE ID.

To prove identity and date of birth, the law requires an applicant to present at least two documents, one of each of the following categories: (1) a valid, unexpired foreign passport or a valid, unexpired consular identification document; and (2) a valid and unexpired driver’s license from any state or territory of the United States, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a valid and unexpired alien identification card, a valid and unexpired foreign driver’s license, or a marriage certificate or divorce decree issued by any state or territory of the United States. One of the documents presented by an applicant must include a photograph and the other must include a date of birth. Any document that is not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. The Registrar may review any document issued by another country to determine if it can be used as proof of identity or date of birth.

The law requires applicants for a driver’s license or learner’s permit to certify, under penalty of perjury, that their license has not been suspended or revoked in any other state, country or jurisdiction.

The law clarifies that information provided by or relating to any applicant or licensee will not be a public record and will not be disclosed, except as required by federal law or authorized by Attorney General regulations, and except for auto insurance purposes. .

The law directs the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to establish regulations regarding the documentation required of U.S. citizens and other persons who provide proof of lawful presence with their license application.

The act also requires the Registrar and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to establish procedures and regulations to ensure that an applicant for a standard driving license or a learner’s license who does not provide proof of lawful presence does not will not automatically be registered to vote.

The law comes into force on July 1, 2023.

ONE VOTE YES would keep the law in place, which would allow Massachusetts residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the United States to obtain a driver’s license or license if they meet the other requirements to do so.

A NO repeal this law.

You can read a full summary of this issue on the Secretary of State’s website.