How Will the New Voter ID Legislation Affect the Wisconsin Recall Elections Today?

Please note, that the required ID is available through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  In Wisconsin, there are a number of offices scheduled to be closed, with allegations that more of these will close in areas which are predominantly Democratic in their demographics based on voter history, while those in Republican dominated parts of the state are rumored to be expanding their hours.  Because of the rural nature of much of Wisconsin, there will be numbers of people who will not have ready access to the new ID, not for this election, not in 2012.  This is what raises the issue of voter suppression, in the context of Republican voter policies, policies which address a non-existant voter fraud problem in Wisconsin elections, except in the conspiracy theories of some on the right.  I will expand on the cost to Wisconsin taxpayers of this new law, as well as the disproportionate effect it will have on partisan lines that benefit Republicans and disadvantage Democrats later this morning.

For now, here is the official web site statement.

From the offical web site of the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, which regulates and polices elections in Wisconsin:

Voter Photo ID Law Information.Wisconsin's New Voter Photo ID Law


Voter Photo ID is now the law in Wisconsin.

Starting in 2012, voters will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver license or state-issued ID in order to receive a ballot and vote.

At the recall and special elections in 2011, voters will be asked to show a photo ID for a "soft implementation" of the new law. Voters who do not have the required ID will will be able to vote, but will also receive a document explaining the requirements of the law for 2012 and how to receive a free ID.

To learn about getting a free Wisconsin ID card, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm

The law contains several other provisions affecting elections, including residency and absentee voting. Please see the links below.

The Government Accountability Board is developing education and outreach campaigns for the public.

This page contains information for voters and local election officials about the law and its requirements. It will be updated as the Board develops new educational materials.