Voter ID laws have become a flashpoint in American politics, with Wisconsin at the heart of the debate. Around the world, voter ID is the standard—nearly every developed nation requires identification to cast a ballot. Yet in the United States, the issue has become highly politicized, with some arguing that requiring an ID is an act of voter suppression, while others maintain that it is a necessary measure to secure elections.
The Stakes of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race could have a profound impact on voter ID laws in the state. Wisconsin currently has one of the strongest voter ID laws in the country. However, with legal challenges constantly being mounted by progressive activist groups, the future of voter ID in Wisconsin is uncertain. If a liberal majority takes control of the court, there is a strong possibility that these laws could be overturned, leading to weaker election security.
The Candidates and Their Stances on Voter ID
The race features two key candidates: a conservative candidate in Brad Schimel who has consistently upheld Wisconsin’s voter ID laws during his tenure as Wisconsin’s Attorney General, and a liberal candidate, Susan Crawford, who has a history of working to dismantle these protections in court.
Crawford has been deeply involved in legal efforts to overturn voter ID requirements in the state, arguing that they disproportionately impact certain voting blocs. Crawford was one of three attorneys representing the League of Women Voters to overturn the law. Voter ID was signed into law in 2011. However, the League of Women Voters were successful in stopping voter ID from being implemented for 5 years (2011-2016). Crawfords record make clear that if she is elected, her judicial philosophy suggests she would be open to further challenges against election security laws.
Eventually the State Supreme Court in 2016 deemed voter ID constitutional. After the lawsuit Crawford remained critical of voter calling the law “draconian.”
Schimel, on the other hand, said voter ID requirement kept Wisconsin elections secure, are constitutional, and as AG he will defend the law
Whoever wins may have a chance to weigh in on the photo ID issue.
The April ballot also has a question that could put the photo ID requirement in the state constitution which would make it nearly impossible for opponents of voter ID to change the law. A “yes” vote supports amending the Wisconsin Constitution to require a valid photo ID for voting and allows the legislature to define what qualifies as a valid ID and provide exceptions. A “no” vote opposes adding this requirement to the state constitution.
Why Voter ID Is Overwhelmingly Supported
Despite opposition from activist groups, voter ID remains overwhelmingly popular, 80%, among the American public. Poll after poll shows that a majority of voters—regardless of party—believe that requiring ID to vote is a commonsense measure to ensure fair elections. The reality is that identification is required for everyday activities like purchasing alcohol, boarding an airplane, and even entering some government buildings. Why should voting be any different?
What Voter ID Does to Make Elections Fair and Safe
Voter ID laws serve a critical role in preventing fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters cast ballots. By requiring identification, states can:
- Prevent double voting and impersonation fraud.
- Ensure that only legal residents participate in elections.
- Increase public confidence in the electoral system.
The idea that voter ID suppresses turnout has been debunked in multiple studies. In fact, voter participation has remained stable or increased in states that have implemented ID laws, proving that these measures do not prevent legitimate voters from casting their ballots.
Debunking the Myth That Voter ID Is Racist
One of the most persistent arguments against voter ID is that it disproportionately affects minority voters. However, this argument is inherently condescending and, in itself, racist. It assumes that certain racial groups are less capable of obtaining identification—an assumption that has no basis in reality. In states with voter ID laws, minority voter turnout has remained consistent, and studies show that access to ID is not a barrier for legal voters.
Data on States Without Voter ID
States that lack voter ID laws have consistently seen issues with election security. For example:
- California, which does not require voter ID, has faced serious allegations of ballot harvesting and election fraud.
- New York, another state without strict voter ID laws, has experienced concerns over improper voter registration and outdated voter rolls.
- States with lax voter ID requirements tend to have more difficulty verifying voter eligibility, leading to concerns about election legitimacy.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is about more than just a judicial seat—it’s about the integrity of Wisconsin’s elections. Voter ID is a fundamental safeguard for democracy, and the vast majority of Americans recognize its importance. If Wisconsin wants to maintain election integrity, preserving voter ID laws must remain a top priority.
