Wisconsin passes ballot measure requiring photo ID to vote

Wisconsin voters passed a ballot measure that amends the state Constitution to require photo identification in order to vote, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ.

Wisconsin lawmakers referred a ballot measure to voters that would mandate that “a qualified elector may not vote in any election unless the elector presents photographic identification issued by this state, by the federal government, by a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state, or by a college or university in this state, that verifies the elector[s identity,” according to an explanation of the proposal.

“If an elector is unable to present valid photographic identification before voting on election day, the elector must be given the opportunity to cast a provisional ballot and present valid photographic identification at a later time and place, as provided by law,” it adds.

2024 Election Coverage

• 2024 Election News
• 2024 Election Polling Data
• 2024 Presidential Election Forecast

State law already requires Wisconsin voters to show photo ID in order to cast a ballot, but the GOP-led state legislature referred the ballot measure before voters to amend the state Constitution to include that requirement.

A Marquette Law School poll released early last month found that 77 percent of respondents favor requiring photo ID, compared to 22 percent who opposed it.

Asked specifically about the constitutional amendment, the poll found 73 percent of respondents — including 97 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of independents — supported it. Meanwhile 27 percent of respondents opposed it.