(WI) State lawmakers hear both sides of voter ID debate

[Wilms]

State lawmakers hear both sides of voter ID debate

Panel listens to concerns of fraud, disenfranchisement

By STACY FORSTER
[e-mail]
Posted: Feb. 3, 2005

Madison - The 2 1/8 -by-3 3/8 -inch card that most Wisconsin residents carry in their wallets is either the key to restoring voters' faith in the electoral system or a method for preventing thousands of people from voting.

-snip-

Earlier this week, leaders in the Republican-controlled Legislature revived a bill similar to one vetoed by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle in 2003 that would have required voters to show a valid photo ID to register and vote. It would alter Wisconsin's historically open elections process, which allows residents to vote by providing their names and addresses to poll workers, and register on election day by presenting proof of residence.

-snip-

Karla Smith of Madison, who uses a wheelchair, told lawmakers that the measure would disenfranchise disabled people, because they would have trouble lining up transportation to get an ID.

"It sounds like a simple thing, but it's not just a simple thing for people with disabilities and the elderly," she told the committee. "Please don't stop us from voting because we have to have a photo ID."

-snip-

<http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/feb05/298638.asp>

[L. Coyote]

1. kick for awareness

[roseBudd]

2. If you ever lose your ID in a fire, robbery or eviction it can be

difficult and expensive to get identification. The poor and homeless will be disproportionately effected. Knowing the last 4 digits of social and birth date should be sufficient.