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On the Ballot: Voter ID, Supreme Court
Voters in Wisconsin have more on their April ballots than just the race for Supreme Court and State Superintendent’s race.
Voters will also see a constitutional amendment about voter ID.
The official ballot question is wordy, and reads “shall section 1m of article III of the constitution be created to require that voters present valid photographic identification verifying their identity in order to vote in any election, subject to exceptions which may be established by law?”
State Sen. Julian Bradley, R-New Berlin, said the question is not that difficult.
“If adopted, this would ensure that frivolous lawsuits couldn’t undermine the standard that’s been in-place here for well over a decade,” Bradley explained.
Wisconsin first adopted a voter ID law back in 2011. It was challenged in court, and changed some. But voters have had to show an ID to cast a ballot in the state for the past several years.
Bradley said it’s not only common practice, but it's very popular across the country.
“Eighty-one percent of Americans believe voters should have to show ID at the polls,” Bradley explained. “This includes 75% of blacks, 84% of Asians, and 85% of hispanics.”
Bradley said the common criticism from Democrats is that voter ID laws are racist.
The League of Women Voters in Wisconsin, who oppose the amendment, say voter ID disenfranchises potential voters.
“The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin knows that if this amendment is passed it will be harmful to the people of our state,” the League said in a statement. “We urge voters to VOTE NO on this question.”
Bradley said just about everyone in Wisconsin already has an ID so they can do everything from opening a bank account, boarding an airplane, buying alcohol or cigarettes, and adopting a pet.
“As the Wisconsin Democratic Party once tweeted ‘Getting a photo ID is free and easy,’” Bradley said. “I’d also like to add that it helps ensure election integrity.”
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