The recent delay in enforcing the REAL ID Act underscores potential pitfalls in rolling out proof-of-citizenship laws for voting, a concern that could affect Southern Maryland residents planning to travel or cast ballots in future elections.
Just days before the May 7, 2025, deadline, the Department of Homeland Security postponed REAL ID enforcement for the umpteenth time, marking 20 years since Congress passed the law. Nationwide, millions of Americans still lack compliant identification, leading to anticipated travel disruptions once the rule takes effect. In Maryland, where 99 percent of residents were REAL ID compliant by March 2025, the state Motor Vehicle Administration has urged the remaining individuals to update their documents using an online lookup tool to avoid issues at airports. This high compliance rate in Maryland contrasts with other states, yet it highlights the broader administrative burdens that proof-of-citizenship laws might impose on election systems.
The connection to voting stems from former President Donald Trump’s executive order, which sought to mandate documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, such as passports or military IDs. Federal and state bills proposing similar proof-of-citizenship laws vary in acceptable documents, but proponents view them as straightforward measures to safeguard elections. However, the REAL ID experience suggests otherwise, revealing logistical challenges that could complicate voter access.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the proof-of-citizenship provision in the executive order amid lawsuits. Democratic state election officials have detailed the impracticalities in court filings. In Michigan, Elections Director Jonathan Brater noted that most residents lack passports, military IDs or citizenship-indicating REAL IDs, requiring time, travel and fees to obtain them. He projected a $2.5 million education campaign to inform voters.
Nevada’s Deputy Secretary of State Mark Wlaschin described diverting staff from preelection duties to plan compliance, losing irreplaceable time. New Jersey’s Donna Barber warned that reallocating resources would harm the state, particularly with two upcoming statewide elections, and that losing federal funds for noncompliance could impair polling access for disabled voters.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes highlighted mismatches between the order’s documents and state laws, necessitating revised forms and separate processes for state and federal elections, potentially confusing voters. He forecasted over $1 million for education efforts before 2026.
In Massachusetts, Michelle Tassinari explained that updating forms would take six months, overhauling databases longer, with $750,000 needed for outreach, all while implementing a new voter registration system.
These accounts echo REAL ID rollout issues. In Kentucky, long DMV lines and limited appointments frustrated residents. Illinois saw hundreds of complaints from those denied IDs due to paperwork errors or staff misinterpretations.
For Southern Maryland, where communities like Lexington Park and Waldorf rely on nearby airports for travel, the REAL ID delay offers a preview of how proof-of-citizenship laws could strain local election offices. Maryland does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration; applicants affirm citizenship and provide a driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Implementing proof-of-citizenship laws would demand significant updates to registration processes, potentially leading to delays at county boards of elections in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
State officials warn that underfunded election offices lack the capacity for such changes on tight timelines. Proof-of-citizenship laws could cause registration backlogs, voter confusion and disenfranchisement, far outweighing travel inconveniences.
The REAL ID Act, intended to enhance security post-9/11, has faced repeated delays due to public unreadiness and administrative hurdles. Similarly, proof-of-citizenship laws, while aimed at election integrity, risk excluding eligible voters without adequate preparation.
Government reforms require substantial resources and public cooperation. As one official put it, turning the ship takes time, money and political will. For Southern Maryland voters, understanding these parallels is key, especially with national debates influencing local elections.
In Maryland, voter registration remains accessible without proof-of-citizenship laws, but proposed federal changes like the SAVE Act, which would mandate proof for federal elections, could alter that. The act, introduced in Congress, seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act to require citizenship documentation. Some red states are advancing similar measures, but Maryland has not.
The stakes in elections surpass those in air travel. Mistakes in implementing proof-of-citizenship laws could undermine voter rights, emphasizing the need for careful planning.
