Voter ID: On the Ballot for Wisconsin’s April 1 Election

On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will decide whether to amend the State Constitution to include voter identification requirements at polling stations. This proposal aims to enhance election security by mandating that voters present photo identification before casting their ballots.

Proponents argue that requiring a photo ID is a standard practice, as such identification is commonly needed for everyday activities such as driving, flying, renting housing, adopting pets, and opening bank accounts. They also note that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers free voter IDs at 90 DMV locations across the state, making it easier for all eligible citizens to comply with the proposed requirement.

However, states that have already implemented similar laws offer a more nuanced picture. Studies have found that strict voter ID requirements can disproportionately affect certain demographic groups. The Brennan Center for Justice reports that as many as 11% of eligible voters nationwide lack the type of ID required by strict voter ID laws, with higher percentages among seniors, minorities, people with disabilities, low-income voters, and students. These groups may be more likely to face challenges in obtaining the necessary identification.

Furthermore, the evidence on the effectiveness of voter ID laws in preventing fraud is mixed. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes that instances of voter impersonation fraud, which such laws are designed to prevent, are exceedingly rare. The GAO found that between 2000 and 2014, there were just 31 known incidents of in-person voter impersonation fraud, a figure that pales in comparison to the millions of votes cast in U.S. elections.

In Kansas, a law passed in 2011 requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration blocked over 31,000 citizens from registering, approximately 12% of new registrations. The law was eventually deemed unconstitutional, offering a cautionary tale for similar measures according to the Associated Press.

As Wisconsin voters consider this referendum, it is important to carefully evaluate the potential impact of this proposed constitutional amendment, balancing election security with access to voting for all eligible citizens.