Voter ID ballot measure passes, cementing 2011 law into state constitution

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – Wisconsin voters approved a ballot measure that adds a photo identification requirement for voting to the state constitution during Tuesday’s Spring Election.

The passed referendum means a 2011 state law is now part of Wisconsin’s constitution.

Language in the amendment doesn’t list the types of identification that can be used for voting, leaving it up to the state legislature to decide what IDs can be used to cast a ballot.

[Article III] Section 1m (1) No qualified elector may cast a ballot in any election unless the elector presents valid photographic identification that verifies the elector’s identity and that is issued by this state, the federal government, a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state, or a college or university in this state. The legislature shall by law establish acceptable forms of photographic identification, and the legislature may by law establish exceptions to the requirement under this subsection.

(2) A qualified elector who is unable to present valid photographic identification on election day shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot may not be counted unless the elector presents valid photographic identification at a later time and place as provided by the legislature by law.

-Proposed constitutional langauge

Currently, there are several different forms of photo ID under statute that voters can use:

The Republican-authored proposal is now protected against future legal challenges.

Before the constitutional amendment passed, Wisconsin was one of 36 states with voter ID laws. The National Conference of State Legislatures listed Wisconsin as one of the 9 states with the most strict laws regarding voter ID.

Here is how the question appeared on the ballot:

“Shall section 1m of article III of the constitution be created to require that voters present valid photographic identification verifying their identity in order to vote in any election, subject to exceptions which may be established by law?”

The Associated Press called the race for “yes” (meaning voters approved the ballot measure) with about 30% of the vote in Tuesday night.

Constitutional amendments in Wisconsin must be passed by two consecutive state legislatures and then be approved in a popular vote.