Final answer:
New Jersey requires driver license applicants to undergo 6 point ID Verification, influenced by the Real ID Act of 2005, to prove identity with various documents. Similar ID requirements are used for voter registration and verification at polling places, yet critics argue these may disenfranchise certain demographic groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
All New Jersey driver license applicants must complete 6 point ID Verification by presenting documents that prove their age, identity, and legal presence in the U.S. This process is a result of the Real ID Act of 2005, which was enacted to enhance homeland security. The Act necessitates that driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards (DL/IDs) include standardized anti-fraud security features, specific data, and machine-readable technology. To comply with this act, states must verify the identity of individuals receiving new or renewed DL/IDs.
Under this system, batches of prescribed documents must be provided to verify a person's eligibility and identity. Examples of these documents might include a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identification that collectively meets the criteria for the 6-point verification system. This approach is consistent with efforts to improve the integrity of voting systems, where similar identification requirements have been implemented for voter registration and at polling places.
However, it's important to note that some critics argue such stringent requirements disproportionately impact certain demographic groups, including the elderly, minorities, and low-income individuals, potentially inhibiting their ability to participate in voting due to the challenges and costs associated with obtaining the necessary documentation.