MADISON, Wis. – Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) released the following statement after the Wisconsin State Senate passed a resolution that aims to amend the state constitution to require that voters show a valid form of identification when casting a ballot in any election:
“While we already have voter ID laws in the books, this resolution enshrines the popular voting requirement in our state constitution, which ensures that the security measure can be enforced well into the future. Wisconsinites have a right to clean, fair elections and to know that their votes count.
“There really is no logical reason to oppose this legislation. Nearly 80 percent of Americans support voter ID, and since our state’s voter ID laws were enacted several years ago, turnout at the polls has actually increased. The statewide raw number of voters in the 2024 presidential election was the largest in Wisconsin’s history. In that same election, Milwaukee recorded the highest voter turnout percentage of the 50 largest cities in the country. To claim that voter ID requirements suppress votes is disingenuous and utter nonsense.
“That is because photo identification cards are free and easy to obtain. Plus, you need an ID for just about every aspect of your life, including driving a car, purchasing medication, renting or buying a home, getting a hunting or fishing license, opening a bank account and adopting a pet from the Humane Society. In fact, some grocery stores even require an ID to buy non-alcoholic mixers. Does it really make sense to have more safeguards for cocktail syrup than we do for ballots?”
The resolution is now headed to the state Assembly for approval. If passed by that chamber, the question will go before voters in a statewide referendum where they will have the final say.
