The state Senate is set to finally pass a bill that would require Wisconsinvoters to show photo identification at the polls. Republicans who control the chamber hoped to pass the bill on Tuesday. But Democrats railed against the plan for nine hours before ultimately using a procedural move to delay the vote until Thursday.
Republicans have been working for years to pass the plan, saying it’s needed to fight voter fraud. Democrats maintain serious voter fraud doesn’t exist and Republicans actually want to disenfranchise pro-Democrat groups. Former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed the bill three times between 2002 and 2005.
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City clerks say they’ll have to hire more staffers on election day to handle the new regulations if the bill passes. The clerks say the possibility of new regulations, like voters having to show a photo ID, could mean confusion at the polls, and more paperwork in their offices.
Clerks in the Chippewa Valley say they’re waiting for the voter ID bill to pass, before they set any major plans in motion.
“Next year is the presidential election. We will have four elections next year, and it will be a very busy time in the city clerks’ office,” says Chippewa Falls City Clerk Rae Buckwheat. “In addition to having voter ID requirement, we’ll need some part time additional staff.”
“We anticipate the costs could be in personnel at this time,” says Eau Claire City Clerk Donna Austad.
Full Article: Senate poised to pass voter ID.