Election officials, DOT combat conspiracy theories about voter ID laws

 

MADISON Wis. (CBS) -- A group of lawmakers held an information hearing about voter ID laws as they attempt to ease concerns some voters have about the election process.

Members on the Senate and Assembly Election Committee invited experts on the topic, including officials from the state Department of Transportation and two county clerks.

The hearing comes as Republicans have tried to pass legislation that would state whether someone is a U.S. citizen on a driver's license or ID card. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers earlier this year.

During testimony, Kristina Boardman, deputy secretary of DOT, said Wisconsin has some of the strict voter ID laws in the county. She also testified the agency has protocols in place to verify non-citizens cannot get a state ID to vote.

Ashley Reichert, the Washington County and Lisa Tollefson the Rock County clerk reiterated to lawmakers on the committee there are safeguards in place to ensure only eligible voters cast a ballot.

Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) said his office continues to get messages from constituents who are highly concerned about this issue ahead of another important and divisive presidential contest.

"I think this is the most important thing we can get done before September when people really start thinking about the election," Krug said. "I can guarantee you the closer we get to September the more misinformation is going to pop."

Krug added there will be "holy hell" in November if there's not enough information out there informing voters about the election process.

Krug said he's willing to work with DOT and others over the summer to find solutions.