Story perspectives

Georgia Defends REAL ID Voter Checks, Praises Trump

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

On July 13, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) and Charlene McGowan sent a DOJ letter defending the state's voter-citizenship verification system that relies on REAL ID-compliant IDs.
McGowan said the state runs citizenship audits, including a SAVE database audit before the 2024 election and another in 2026.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Utah officials called the DOJ warning unnecessary, and McGowan praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to verification.

History

Historical Context

The REAL ID Act, signed by President George W. Bush on May 11 2005 after the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation, set federal standards for state driver’s licenses and earmarked $5.6 billion for compliance. The Department of Homeland Security imposed a 2010 deadline, prompting officials like Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to cite the law in a citizenship audit, while Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador objected.

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Story summary

On July 13, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) and Charlene McGowan sent a DOJ letter defending the state's voter-citizenship verification system that relies on REAL ID-compliant IDs.
McGowan said the state runs citizenship audits, including a SAVE database audit before the 2024 election and another in 2026.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Utah officials called the DOJ warning unnecessary, and McGowan praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to verification.

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