Federal Judge Rejects Wisconsin Voter ID Law

A federal judge in Milwaukee strikes down Wisconsin’s voter ID law, saying it unfairly puts a burden on poor and minority voters. Under Act 23, in order to vote, a person must present one of nine forms of photo ID to prove his or her identity. U-S District Judge Lynn Adelman says that’s a violation of the Voting Rights Act and the US Constitution. He says the burdens imposed by Act 23 fall primarily on otherwise eligible voters who do not currently possess a photo ID.  Supporters of the law argue a voter ID requirement would reduce voter fraud and increase public confidence in the integrity of elections. In his ruling, Adelman says photo ID requirements have no effect on confidence or trust in the electoral process. State Attorney General JB Van Hollen vows to appeal the ruling. He says,” I am disappointed with the order and continue to believe Wisconsin’s law is constitutional. We will appeal.”