Republicans in Wisconsin are gearing up to vote once again on a proposed constitutional amendment to make photo ID requirements for voting a permanent fixture in the state. Pending Republicans keep their promise, this will mark the second consecutive session in which the measure is expected to pass both the Assembly and Senate, a key step in the state’s constitutional amendment process.
Under Wisconsin law, a proposed amendment must pass two consecutive legislative sessions in identical form before heading to voters in a statewide referendum. With Republican control of both chambers again, the resolution is anticipated to clear the legislature, potentially placing the issue on the ballot for voters to decide in April 2025 which is when the state will vote on the next State Supreme Court Justice.
According to the Legislative Reference Bureau, Wisconsin lawmakers face a January 21 deadline to approve measures in both the Assembly and Senate for them to appear as referendums on the April 1 ballot. This gives legislators roughly two weeks after the session begins on January 6 to pass the proposals.
The resolutions do need Gov. Evers signature.
Wisconsin already requires a valid photo ID to vote, a rule codified in state statutes. Proponents of the amendment argue that embedding this requirement in the state constitution would safeguard it from future legislative changes, ensuring election security over the long term.
Critics, however, caution that such measures could make voting more difficult for certain groups, particularly those facing challenges in obtaining identification. Supporters counter that requiring a photo ID is a common-sense measure to enhance voter confidence and maintain fair elections. Polls shows that voter ID is overwhelming popular among all demographics of voters.
In a year-end interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed his desire to see the voter ID constitutional amendment on the April ballot, emphasizing the importance of enacting it into law before any newly elected officials take office. He described voter ID as a “common-sense measure” and raised concerns about the potential decisions that could be made in its absence.
If passed by the legislature this session, the referendum could become a pivotal issue for Wisconsin voters in the near future, boosting confidence in our elections, and taking an issue that is popular off the table for future legislatures.