NEWS GLEAMS | REAL ID Requirements Begin May 7; King County Votes on Fingerprint ID Levy

Beginning May 7, Washington State travelers will need to cross airport security checkpoints using a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license, ID card, or other form of identification that TSA accepts, such as a passport. Standard Washington State ID cards will no longer be sufficient for travel at an airport, though the state will continue to issue them, as they will remain sufficient for travel by car or train.

The U.S. Congress first passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, after the 9/11 Commission called for a federally shared standard for issuing identification cards. Its implementation has been delayed multiple times across multiple years, but the May 7 date will be its official start date.

When applying for and receiving a REAL ID from Washington State, one must show proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. Individuals who are not citizens must show alternate proof of identification, such as a passport.

Visit Washington State's REAL ID website for details on making an appointment, the documents you may need to get a REAL ID, and options for expanded online renewals.

King County residents should have received their mail-in ballots for the April 22 special election, which contains only one measure.

A yes vote on King County Proposition No. 1 would continue funding for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which is a forensic fingerprint tool that is used across the county and helps minimize wrongful convictions. A no vote would reject the renewal of the levy, which was approved by King County voters in 2018.

By voting yes, voters would once again approve the levy — but at a lower rate than previously. The lowered rate would be a tax on property owners that is $0.0275 per $1,000 in assessed property value. The owner of a $845,000 home would pay approximately $23 in its first year; that rate would then increase by 1% annually for the following six years.

Ballots must be postmarked by election day, April 22, or placed in an official dropbox by 8 p.m. that day. All ballots must be verified by signature on the mail-in ballot envelope or online through KCE.wiki/Verify, where you can verify your ballot with your Washington State ID or driver's license number or the last four digits of your social security number.

Visit VoteWA.gov for voter registration, ballot drop box and voting center locations, replacement ballots, and to confirm your voter registration information.

Visit SOS.wa.gov/Elections for a complete list of ballot drop boxes, county elections contact information, election results, data, and statistics.

Yes Farm invites residents of Yesler Terrace, community farmers, volunteers, and anyone passionate about food justice and collective liberation to join in on its Gather & Grow Days. Each intentional monthly gathering will go toward the collective imagining of the future of the community space and garden.

Yes Farm's Gather & Grow days will take place on April 19, May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11. The sessions are from 1 to 2 p.m. at 715 Yesler Way.

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