Wednesday’s REAL ID deadline looms after 20 years of implementation. The Department of Homeland Security was slated to start enforcement on May 7th, but officials seem to be softening on their messaging to travelers without the new card.
Ahead of the midterms, Republican-led states and counties are imposing new voting restrictions, from stricter ID requirements to closed polling places and reduced drop boxes. Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa and Kansas face changes that could suppress turnout among Black, Latino and young voters in critical Senate and House races, despite scant evidence of voter fraud.