POUGHKEEPSIE – In a unanimous vote, the Poughkeepsie Common Council Monday night approved establishing a municipal ID program.
The roll call vote was immediately followed by a rousing cheer and applause from those attending the session.
Prior to the vote, Alderwoman Sarah Salem, who first proposed the program, said she was “very proud” to have advanced it.
“No matter what, all City of Poughkeepsie residents should be able to engage in the services and activities regardless of their immigration status, regardless of their housing status, regardless of their gender identity, and especially regardless of their income,” Salem said.
Alderwoman Natasha Cherry said the municipal IDs send the message that all residents in the city “belong” there.
The cities of Kingston, Newburgh, Middletown and Beacon are also considering Municipal IDs. At a previous meeting, Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison said he is already talking to some fellow mayors about standardizing the ID program among area cities.
