This November marks the first presidential election in Wisconsin where voters need to show a government-issued photo ID at the polls, and state election officials are urging voters to make sure they have the right ID before heading out.
The state has set up a website where voters can check to see if they have the right kind of ID for voting, along with what steps to take if they need to get the proper credentials before Election Day.
Voters can cast a provisional ballot at the polls, if they show up and discover that their current ID is not acceptable. They will then have to go to the Division of Motor Vehicles to get the proper credentials before that ballot will be counted.
Help available for voters without an ID
The state is also reminding those who think they are unable to vote because they don’t have an ID that a process is in place to assist them.
Wisconsin has been providing free ID cards for voting since the law was put in place. The state is also under a court order to make sure individuals who face difficulty obtaining an ID, either because they lack key documents or have errors on existing ones, will be able to vote this November.
Those voters can enter an ID Petition Process (IDPP) at any Department of Motor Vehicles Service Center. Starting this week, the state is sending out credentials using overnight mail, so they get to applicants in time.
The state drew fire last month, following reports that DMV staff gave out wrong or incomplete information about the IDPP. The agency has since move to implement new training for staff and created handout materials to help applicants navigate the process.