Wisconsin Voter ID Constitutional Amendment Process
Since 2016, Wisconsin has maintained a strict requirement for voters to present a photo ID before registering to vote or casting a ballot. While this requirement is currently established by statutory law, recent legislative efforts have sought to elevate this mandate to the state's highest legal authority: the Constitution of Wisconsin.
The Evolution of Voter ID Laws in Wisconsin
The journey toward a constitutional mandate began with the 102nd Wisconsin Legislature, which passed the original law requiring photo identification for voter registration and participation. This law remains in effect today, serving as the primary mechanism for verifying voter identity at the polls.
Following the 2020 election, members of the 106th Wisconsin Legislature sought to further secure this requirement. By moving the photo ID mandate from a statute (a law passed by the legislature) to the state constitution, the requirement would become significantly more difficult to repeal in the future.
The Path to Ratification
Amending the Wisconsin Constitution requires a rigorous process involving multiple legislative sessions and public approval. The 106th Legislature initiated this by passing a joint resolution outlining the proposed amendment. To meet constitutional requirements, the resolution had to be passed again by a subsequent legislature.
Two years later, the 107th Wisconsin Legislature passed the resolution for a second time. Throughout this process, the amendment received consistent support from Republicans and general opposition from Democrats. With the second legislative passage complete, the amendment has moved to its final stage: a public ratification vote.
The public vote for ratification is scheduled for the general election on April 1, 2025.
Key Facts
- Current Status: Photo ID is already required by law for registration and voting.
- Legislative Action: The amendment was passed by both the 106th and 107th Wisconsin Legislatures.
- Purpose: To make the voter ID requirement harder to repeal by embedding it in the Constitution.
- Public Vote: Scheduled for April 1, 2025.
- Legal Impact: The existing statutory law remains unchanged regardless of the ratification outcome.
| Milestone | Legislative Body / Event | Outcome/Date |
|---|---|---|
| Original Photo ID Law | 102nd Wisconsin Legislature | Passed in 2016 |
| First Constitutional Resolution | 106th Wisconsin Legislature | Passed |
| Second Constitutional Resolution | 107th Wisconsin Legislature | Passed |
| Public Ratification Vote | Wisconsin Electorate | April 1, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this amendment change the current voting rules?
No. The amendment does not represent a change to current law; photo ID is already required to register and vote in Wisconsin.
Why move the requirement to the Constitution?
Moving the requirement to the Constitution makes it more difficult to repeal in the future, as it would then require a new constitutional amendment rather than a simple legislative change.
What happens if the public votes against the amendment?
The existing statutory law would not be directly impacted. The photo ID requirement would remain in effect as a law, but it would not be enshrined in the Constitution.
When will the public vote on this measure?
The ratification vote is scheduled for the general election on April 1, 2025.
Who supported and opposed the amendment?
The resolution was supported by Republicans and generally opposed by Democrats in both the 106th and 107th Legislatures.