The Government Accountability has its plan for implementing voter ID at Wisconsin polling places, but one observer is concerned about the plan’s adequacy. Jay Heck with Common Cause in Wisconsin has been opposed to the requirement since it was proposed, calling it unnecessary. “It will be more difficult for a person in Wisconsin to cast their vote at the polls, showing limited forms of ID, than in any other state in the country,” said Heck. “This includes states like Mississippi and Georgia, which have historically been difficult states.” The GAB has developed an implementation plan, including public information, at a cost of about two million dollars. That money, included in the state budget, is somewhat less than the agency estimated it would need to get the job done.
But, notes Heck, there’s no money for television. “That’s where most people get their information,” said Heck. “A public information campaign is going to be very important to have any chance of having people understand what this is all about. But it seems to me that two million dollars, not including television ads, isn’t going to very effective and people are still going to be very confused about it.” Governor Scott Walker signed the voter ID bill into law in May, and it goes into effect next year.
