TRENTON, N.J. — A newly introduced bill in the New Jersey Senate seeks to require driver’s licenses and identification cards issued to non-citizens to feature a distinct color and a statement clarifying that the documents cannot be used for voting while also mandating voter ID requirements at polling stations and for mail-in ballots.
The legislation, introduced by Senator James W. Holzapfel (R-District 10), aims to add new designations to IDs issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to distinguish between citizens and non-citizens. These IDs would include a prominently displayed statement reading, “This document shall not be used as identification to vote in elections.”
One candidate running for Governor in New Jersey in 2025, Joseph Rudy Rullo, proposes that New Jersey should make the state’s immigrant driver’s license database accessible to the Department of Homeland Security in order to help federal agencies identify and locate criminal migrants seeking sanctuary in New Jersey.
Under the proposed bill, voters would be required to present a suitable and valid form of identification at polling places, including a New Jersey driver’s license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, military or veteran ID, or voter registration card. For mail-in ballots, voters must enclose a copy of their photo ID that matches their name and address. Ballots lacking proper identification would be subject to existing curing procedures but risk rejection.
Supporters of the legislation argue it enhances election integrity by preventing voter fraud and clarifying the purpose of certain identification documents. Critics contend that such measures could impose unnecessary burdens on voters and individuals who rely on state-issued IDs, particularly non-citizens.
The bill also establishes penalties for presenting false identification documents. It emphasizes that any IDs issued to non-citizens cannot be used to challenge their immigration status or as grounds for investigation or detention by law enforcement.