On a 54-43 vote Tuesday afternoon, the Assembly approved the measure that requires voters to show a photo ID when they head to the ballot box. State Representative Jeff Stone (R-Greendale), a chief sponsor of the measure, says the Constitutional Amendment will encourage people to vote and provide new respect for the election system. The resolution is aimed at reducing voter fraud statewide.
Democrats, such as State Representative Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee), say the amendment is designed to disenfranchise voters who can't afford or easily obtain a photo ID card. The Milwaukee Democrat says the measure unfairly singles out certain parts of the population. Democrats say it will keep the elderly and minority groups from going to the polls.
State Representative Fred Kessler (D-Milwaukee) also accused Republicans of blowing voter fraud cases out of proportion. Kessler compared the amendment to using a sledgehammer to kill a fly on a glass table top.
The amendment now heads to the Senate for final consideration. However, leaders in the Democratic controlled chamber say it is "dead on arrival" and they'll work to keep the measure from getting a vote on the Senate floor.