Voting is about to take center stage in Wisconsin as the state prepares for its Spring Election on April 1, 2025. A proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine photo ID requirements for voting is set to be on the ballot, igniting discussions about voter accessibility and election integrity.
On March 17, 2025, an independent organization called All Voting is Local, along with various partners, convened a panel to discuss the controversial amendment. The proposal, if passed, would require voters to show photo identification each time they vote in order to strengthen the state’s already stringent voting laws. Currently, Wisconsin has been grappling with accusations that these laws disproportionately affect underrepresented communities.
Rep. Lee Snodgrass, a Democrat from Appleton, was vocal during the panel, expressing her concerns about possible voter suppression. “I don’t think we should use constitutional amendments to legislate,” Snodgrass stated. She highlighted existing barriers that many voters still face, such as the lack of accessible DMV locations and public transportation challenges, especially for rural residents.
Her remarks were echoed by Rep. Scott Krug, a Republican from Rome, who also agreed on the importance of improving access to DMVs and ensuring that all voters, including those without documentation, can obtain a photo ID. “What we’re really trying to gear towards is good public policy from the legislature instead of courts trying to dictate what is going to happen,” Krug said. He argued that enshrining these requirements could also open the door to expand the types of acceptable IDs.
Access to polling places and voter identification emerges as a crucial topic discussion, particularly for voters with disabilities. Anna Anderson, voting rights coordinator for Disability Rights Wisconsin, pointed out that 35% of calls to the disability voter hotline during the presidential election involved transportation issues: “Most programs aiding disabled people rely on nonprofit or volunteers,” Anderson mentioned, stressing the heavy reliance on public transportation to access voting.
During the panel, concerns also arose about the acceptance of tribal IDs, valid under the current law but fraught with inconsistencies at polling places. “We have had this law in the books since 2016, and yet there are still kinks in the system,” said Cronmiller, raising alarms about issues that could lead to disenfranchisement.
In addition, another bill slated for discussion aims to address the timing of ballot processing. Currently, Wisconsin is one of six states that require all ballots to be processed only on Election Day, creating logistical headaches for clerks and raising misinformation risks. Debra Cornmiller, the executive director of the League of Women Voters Wisconsin, noted the challenges posed on poll workers due to delays in counting ballots, stating that “we create a purposeful workload on our poll workers.” Both Snodgrass and Krug endorsed the bill on the panel as a necessary measure to support election integrity.
Dr. Shauntay Nelson, co-director of All Voting is Local, provided context to the need for reforms. He also highlighted ongoing threats that clerks have faced since the turbulence following the 2020 election. Nelson emphasized the importance of better education on the electoral process as crucial for combatting misinformation.
As the election approaches, Wisconsinites are paying attention not just to the photo ID constitutional amendment but also to the critical races, including the seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The contest pits Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford against former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel. The outcome of this election will significantly influence future cases related to voting rights, as liberals currently hold the majority following a flip in 2023.
Voting is already underway, with many residents urged to verify their identification ahead of the big day. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has also been proactive, informing citizens that federally compliant REAL ID cards are not necessary for voting. Voters needing an ID for the polls can acquire one free of charge, with necessary information available on the WisDOT and Wisconsin Elections Commission websites.
Ultimately, this election carries tremendous importance, setting the stage for not just constitutional amendments but also critical decisions that could shape Wisconsin’s voting landscape for years to come. As the panel discussions highlighted, ensuring access to voting and maintaining the integrity of elections remains a delicate balance that demands careful consideration.
