While Republicans were celebrating a victory with the state’s voter ID law earlier this week, the state Attorney General announced that it will not be in effect in two weeks.
The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for enforcement of the state’s 2011 law – which has been embattled since its inception – but because the spring election is just two weeks away, Attorney General Brad Schimel has advised state election officials not to implement it on April 7.
“Absentee ballots are already in the hands of voters, therefore, the law cannot be implemented for the April 7 election,” Schimel said. “The Voter ID law will be in place for future elections – this decision is final.”
Even though voters will not have to show an ID to receive a ballot at this election, voters who are registering now in the municipal clerk’s office or at the polling place on Election Day should be aware that they may use their driver license or state ID card to establish their residence if it contains a current address.
“You may use a valid driver license or state ID card for proof of residence when you register to vote, either before or on Election Day,” said Kennedy. “But you are not required to show a photo ID to get your ballot.”
Photo ID requirements are different than proof of residence requirements. All voters must show proof of residence to register to vote, and a driver license or state ID card with a current address are just two of many documents can use to prove they are residents. A full list is available at http://gab.wi.gov/publications/voter-guides/proof-of-residence.
 Also, voters who have a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card are required to provide the card number on the voter registration form. Voters who do not have a driver license or state ID card can use the last four digits of their Social Security number instead.
The G.A.B. advises anyone who does not have a state ID card to take advantage of the opportunity to get one free. The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles has a process to allow people to obtain a free state ID card for voting purposes, even if the person does not have a birth certificate.
Kennedy said that process can take time, especially for people born outside of Wisconsin, so it makes sense to get started early. More information is available at the Wisconsin DMV website http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/petition-process.htm.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos lauded the court decision Monday.
“It’s a great day for Wisconsin; voter ID will finally be the law of the land,” Vos said. “The common-sense law will help ensure honest and fair elections in our state and I look forward to the full implementation of voter ID in the coming months.”
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