The Wisconsin Department of Justice is asking a federal appeals court to halt a judge’s order which will allow voters who lack a qualifying photo ID to still cast a ballot this coming November.
The injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman last month would require polling places to let voters who are unable to obtain the proper ID to instead sign an affidavit, stating they are who they claim to be. Adelman last week refused to stay his ruling as the state appeals.
DOJ have argued a stay is necessary to avoid voter confusion and the state would expend resources preparing an affidavit process. However, Adelman has said the affidavit process is a necessary safety net to ensure otherwise qualified voters are not denied the ability to cast a ballot.
The ruling is one of two recent federal court decisions that could impact the state’s November elections. The DOJ is also expected to appeal a ruling from last week that struck down several other recent changes to Wisconsin election laws, including restrictions on early voting locations and times.