My March Editorial: “Breaking Down the Drive-Only License Issue”

As published in the Milford-Orange Times.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

What are drive-only licenses and why are they so controversial?

In a recent Transportation Committee public hearing, members heard testimony both in support and opposition to HB 5057 An Act Standardizing Drive-Only Licenses. If passed, this bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue two types of licenses: one to simply drive, and the other to drive and to use for general identification purposes.

The supporting argument: drive-only licenses currently allow undocumented immigrants to operate vehicles with the security of having insurance. This helps immigrants find work opportunities while also managing their citizenship process.

The opposing argument: there will be no differentiation between these two types of driver’s licenses. This invites individuals with drive-only licenses to also use them for general identification purposes…most alarmingly for voter registration.

As a daughter of immigrants, I am empathetic to residents who are legally making a living on their road to citizenship. That’s why I agree that this bill has a positive intent in helping legal immigrants in their transition.

But as a state legislator, it’s my responsibility to protect election integrity. That’s why I stand with my Republican colleagues who have demanded the DMV mark all drive-only licenses clearly to reduce confusion at the polls.

The problem comes with same-day registration. Currently, non-registered voters can register on Election Day and cast their ballot if they prove residency by presenting a driver’s license. If an undocumented immigrant presents their identical drive-only license, how can we ensure a volunteer poll worker (who is not trained to determine the difference in licenses) could tell the difference and refuse same-day registration?

Drive-only licenses need to have a special design or mark that clearly shows it can only be used for driving. This distinction is necessary to preserve voter integrity, especially after the recent election fraud issues in Bridgeport.

Adopting this simple solution can support our legal immigrants and support our legally registered voters simultaneously. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly, my friends at the DMV, and the governor to recognize this concern and effectively amended this proposal.

New bills and ideas are being discussed every day in Hartford. If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns about this or any state issue, never hesitate to contact me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or at 860-240-8700.