Scott Walker reverses course on closing DMV's. Expanding DMV's will cost millions

[deminks]

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/08/06/289545/facing-backlash-for-disenfranchising-voters-gov-walker-reverses-course-on-plan-to-close-several-dmv-offices/

In a sharp reversal, the state of Wisconsin announced yesterday it will expand Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) services to accommodate the increased demand for photo identification in the wake of a controversial new Voter ID law. As ThinkProgress reported last week, after signing a Voter ID law earlier this year that disenfranchises tens of thousands of Wisconsin voters, Gov. Scott Walker (R) then called for closing as many as 16 DMV offices across the state, making it even more difficult for residents to obtain the ID they needed to regain their electoral voice.

(snip)

Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb said the expansion leaves all current offices open, increases the total number of offices across the state from 88 to 92 and drastically expands the hours of operation for some 40 counties.

The change, expected to cost about $6 million the first year and $4 million every year going forward, was called for by Gov. Scott Walker’s 2011-13 budget and was meant to address an increase in demand for photo IDs in the wake of the state’s new law requiring voters to show ID at the polls.<...>

(snip)

Although the new plan infringes less on voters’ rights, it also confirms that these new, completely unnecessary Voter ID laws being signed by conservative governors across the country are costing states millions of dollars at a time they can least afford it.

(end snip)

O what a tangled weave...

[rocktivity]

1. So much for the Wisconsin GOP not worrying about the recall elections!

:evilgrin:
rocktivity

[bluestate10]

2. Defeat the six republicans, re-elect the two remaining democrats, and get Walker in January. nt

[rocktivity]

3. Defeat ALL six Repubs? Be still, my heart!

:loveya:
rocktivity

[Cool Logic]

4. I will never understand the objections to showing an ID to vote...

After all, everybody has one...

If you don't have an ID, it could be that you do not exist.:)

[tabbycat31]

5. not everyone does have one

I do and have for awhile, but I also live in an area where it is necessary for me to drive, therefore I need a license.

I had to produce a lot of paperwork to switch my license from NY to NJ.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

6. And I can never understand stupid, simplistic statements such as the one you just made...

Especially in the face of nationwide efforts, by republicans, to suppress the vote of poor, elderly, minorities and students.

Really. There is no excuse for ignorance. The information has been posted all over DU.

[Cool Logic]

7. Hassin Bin Sober

Indeed.

[City Lights]

8. I have a voter ID card I'd be happy to show. And my signature they have on file will match

the one I sign when I vote. Nothing else should be needed.