The Assembly today voted along party lines to sign off on a constitutional amendment that would require a photo ID to vote, sending the issue to the public for a statewide referendum April 1.
The amendment, approved 54-45, cleared the Senate along a similar party line vote last week with all Republicans in favor and all Dems opposed. It now goes to voters for a statewide referendum April 1.
Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, criticized Republicans for bringing this as the first bill in the new session.
“Unfortunately we’re here on our first day of session and the majority party has chosen to bring forward a highly partisan constitutional amendment, rather than focusing on the issues we hear about from our constituents,” Neubauer said.
Neubauer added that they should be prioritizing issues that matter to Wisconsin voters, including affordable healthcare and childcare, the ability to buy a home, and safe and clean water.
Democrats further criticized the bill due to concerns about how the requirement might disproportionately impact people of color and people with disabilities, due to difficulties in getting a photo ID.
Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, told reporters ahead of the floor debate that the bill is a priority this session because the next opportunity to get this on the ballot wouldn’t be until April 2026.
There is already a voter ID requirement in state law. During the floor debate, Krug argued that it belongs in the state Constitution. It would build “a foundation for future elections,” so the Legislature can refocus efforts on what Wisconsin residents want.
Republicans in the Assembly frequently argued that adding the requirement would not harm people’s ability to vote and that Wisconsin people support a photo ID requirement. They cited a Marquette Law School poll from 2021, which said that 74% of Wisconsinites support a photo ID law.
“Election integrity is important to the people of Wisconsin,” said Rep. Joy Goeben, R-Hobart.
Gov. Tony Evers criticized Republican lawmakers in a statement ahead of the vote for passing a sixth constitutional amendment in a year’s time. He has called for the Legislature to give voters the power to initiate changes to the Wisconsin Constitution, but GOP leaders have rebuffed the call.
Evers argued GOP lawmakers don’t care about the opinions of Wisconsin residents.
“Poll after poll has shown Wisconsinites support commonsense policies like protecting reproductive freedom, expanding BadgerCare, legalizing marijuana, and gun safety reforms, among other critical efforts. Republicans have repeatedly rejected those policies, often with no deliberation, debate, or vote,” Evers said.
If passed in April, the amendment would require voters to show a valid voter ID from the state, the federal government, a federally recognized Native American tribe, or a state college or university. The Legislature would be able to create exceptions to the requirement.