This article originally appeared in the Daily Tribune.
EDITOR: The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin opposed the voter ID law and sued to keep it from being implemented. The League has always stood for free, fair and accessible elections and viewed the ID law as an obstacle for many citizens who were otherwise rightfully qualified to vote. It tended to impose an undue burden on the elderly, students, minorities and the economically disadvantaged.
On Sept. 12 a three-judge federal appeals court panel voted unanimously to uphold the voter ID law which is now in effect. The ruling requires voters to present a photo ID at the time of voting in this November’s election. As a result, we urge citizens to make sure they are prepared to show a photo ID when they come to the polls. A driver’s license, state ID card or a passport will work as a photo ID. Check with your municipal clerk or go to http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/photo-id to review the list of acceptable photo IDs. Permanent overseas and active military as well as those who are indefinitely confied due to age or infirmity do not have to have a photo ID in order to vote. Individuals voting in person will still need a photo ID, however.
For people who do not have an acceptable ID, one can be obtained by going to your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV is making a Wisconsin photo ID free to anyone declaring they cannot pay and will also research a birth certificate if you do not have one. Please be aware that this can take time, so make arrangements to go to the DMV as soon as possible. Our local DMV office in Wisconsin Rapids is open Tuesday and Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and is located at 1681 Second Ave. S. in Wisconsin Rapids.As citizens, the vote is one of the few ways we have of making our will known. We strongly urge all qualified voters to exercise this right and to be prepared by taking a photo ID with them this November.
Mary Dahm,
League of Women Voters of the Wisconsin Rapids Area,
Wisconsin Rapids