League of Women Voters sues over Wisconsin photo ID law

[PeaceNikki]

MADISON, Wis.— The League of Women Voters sued Thursday to block Wisconsin's new voter photo identification law, arguing that the state constitution clearly only bars children, felons and the mentally incompetent from voting, not people who lack photo IDs.

In its lawsuit filed in Dane County Circuit Court, the League's state chapter contends that Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-led Legislature had no authority to bar a class of people -- those who don't have an appropriate photo ID -- from voting.

The lawsuit names members of the state Government Accountability Board, which oversees state elections, and Republican Gov. Scott Walker as defendants. GAB spokesman Reid Magney said he hadn't seen the lawsuit and had no immediate comment. The governor issued a statement saying photo identification protects election integrity.

The lawsuit notes many Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle offices have limited hours. Although people can get state ID cards for free, state policy prohibits DMV workers from informing them the $28 fee can be waived, the lawsuit said. What's more, obtaining supporting documents for an ID, such as birth certificates, presents its own bureaucratic hurdles and fees. A report the league released earlier this month found a dry run at asking for photo ID from voters during legislative recall elections in August contributed to long lines and confusion.

More at link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-voterid-lawsuit,0,2372142.story

[Ohio Joe]

1. K&R - nt

[northoftheborder]

2. Good for them.

I wish the LWV of each state which has passed these ID laws would also bring lawsuits against their Election Supervisors.

[PeaceNikki]

5. They are a fantastic and well-organized group here in WI.

They've had election integrity observers at the polls for each election this year as well. Fantastic to work with. :thumbsup:

[Bucky]

3. How extreme do the Republicans have to be that they are being opposed by neutral organizations?

They League of Women Voters hasn't been partisan since they passed the 19th Amendment. They Republicans might as well be opposing apple pie & Sunday picnics.

[JimWis]

4. K&R

[Exultant Democracy]

6. The League of Women Voters is one of the most consistently awesome institutions in the US

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[shraby]

7. The League of Women Voters and the ACLU get kudos

from me.

[PeaceNikki]

8. Agreed. ACLU Madison and Wisconsin have also been there with us every step.

I've gotten to know some of those people this year as well. Love 'em!!

[louslobbs]

9. K&R n/t

Lou