May 16, 2012
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Reporter: Brigette Burnett Email

Educating Voters Regarding the New ID Law

In May Governor Scott Walker signed a bill requiring Wisconsin voters to show the proper identification. Since then Wisconsin residents have been going to the polls for recall elections. Some show their ID, but it won't be required by law until 2012.

A grass-roots group is helping people with the transition. Middle Wisconsin is showing you the tools since the law has changed because people are still confused.

Jody Maier, a member of Middle Wisconsin said people ask, "should I have a picture ID or do I need my birth certificate? Does it have to have a current address or can I use this expired drivers license? Can I use my student ID card?"

When people approached the registration booth Sunday at the 400 Block in Wausau, the group provided voters with the right answers.

Maier said voters need, "an ID card any of those things will work. It has to be current and your address it doesn't have to be your current residence on there, but it does have to be a current not expired photo ID."

Some people at the event said students and the elderly may have a difficult time with the new law.

Wausau resident Lisa Giordano said, "older people definitely, without stereotyping, may be a little resistant to change. So I'm worried that that extra step that they have to take to get an ID if they don't have one because many don't drive to vote is concerning to me."

Most do agree, but one man said he will continue casting his vote in order to see change in Wisconsin.

"I would like to see them get rid of that voter ID bill. I'd like to see them back to ten days living in the district. You can vote after ten days, so it would make it easier to vote and not harder to vote," responded Wayne Olson.

Along with live music, political leaders were at the event offering their support for the new law.

Organizers said they hope when the time comes voters won't have a problem at the polls.

An ID will not be required at Tuesday's election. The law takes effect before the presidential election in February.


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  • by Lanore Location: Wausau on Aug 15, 2011 at 12:43 PM
    As it stands now the only way college students, if they do not live at home, can vote is by absentee ballot. I called Pam Galloway's office for clarification on student voting and they couldn't tell me. They did call me back and said they have to vote absentee. How many kids will do that? Republicans obtained one of their goals by making it harder for students to vote.
  • by RnK on Aug 14, 2011 at 09:38 PM
    I just don't see what the big deal is. Everyone should have some form of current picture ID anyway. If you drive, you have to keep it current. If you're a student, you have to keep it current. But as far as elderly people, I think they should be able to use an expired picture ID simply because of the facts stated in the article...it is hard for them to get places if they don't drive anymore, therefore not needing a current driver's license. That should be the only exemption. Other than that, EVERYONE else should be required to show a photo ID. It might eliminate a few of the illegals that way, rather than having the '10 days living in the district' thing. Kudos to Walker for getting one thing right but he still needs to go.
    • reply
      by FormerStudent on Aug 15, 2011 at 12:11 AM in reply to RnK
      Students do not need to keep their photo ID current. Otherwise they would have to change their photo ID twice a year. Students at their respective campuses use their license as ID which gives their home address. Having just been in this situation the past few years on a UW campus, many students are confused if they can vote while away from their home district. This bill will only add to the confusion and suppress young adults from voting even more. I'm glad Middle Wisconsin is trying to keep folks educated on the details of this bill.

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