With the first statewide election of the year just two weeks away, state officials are ramping up efforts to make sure the public is once again ready to comply with the state’s voter ID requirement.
The law passed by the legislature in 2011 was used in just a single spring primary, before a series of lawsuits put it on hold for much of the last four years. A court decision last spring cleared the way for it to finally take effect though, with the February 16 state Supreme Court primary the first time it will be back in place statewide.
Government Accountability Board director Kevin Kennedy says most voters should be fine when they show up at the polls, because “most people already have the identification that they need – a Wisconsin driver’s license, a state-issued ID from the Department of Transportation, a military ID and a passport are probably the most common forms of ID.”
Some university and technical college ID cards may be acceptable as well, although you will also need documentation showing you are a currently enrolled student.
Those who lack the proper type of ID can also obtain a free card for voting purposes through the state Division of Motor Vehicles.
The GAB has set up a website where voters can go to find out more information about whether their ID is acceptable, along with how to obtain one that will work on election days.