GOP lawmakers move quickly on Wisconsin's voter ID law, April ballot measure looming

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republican lawmakers who control the Legislature are moving quickly to place a constitutional amendment on the April ballot that would codify voter ID laws in the state constitution.

A GOP-led committee advanced the measure Tuesday clearing the way for the Senate to vote on the proposal tomorrow.

The constitutional amendment would make it harder for Democrats or the courts to repeal Wisconsin's voter ID requirement.

During a public hearing, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety committee stressed why the proposal is a top priority heading into April's high stakes state Supreme Court race that will decide control of the court.

"We want to get this done so this court doesn't --- they're changing everything by their legislative power, so we have to act," said Rep. Patrick Synder, a Republican who co-authored the amendment. "If we wait on something like this, they could rule that the photo ID is unconstitutional."

There are no pending lawsuits currently to the state's strict photo ID requirement, but since it was enacted in 2011 the law has faced a handful of unsuccessful legal challenges.

Democrats on the committee blamed Republicans for rushing the amendment they believe makes it harder for people to vote.

"It's callous and irresponsible for us to be here rushing to protect restrictive voter ID laws," said Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison).

Wisconsin has one of the strictest voter ID requirements in the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Voters without an ID can still cast a provisional ballot on Election Day but they must show proof of an ID later for their vote to count.

The amendment marked the first order of business lawmakers considered a day after kicking off a new legislative session.

Both chambers approved the amendment last session, and it must pass again by Jan. 21 to appear on the April ballot.

Senator LaTonya Johnson, a Milwaukee Democrat, argued there are other pressing issues the Legislature should be considering after a school shooting in Madison killed a teacher and student last month.

"I'm irritated," Johnson said. "You felt this was the most important issue to bring us here a day after we were sworn in."

"We just had a mass shooting on Dec. 17. This is the judiciary and public safety committee and the first thing we take up is voter ID?"

The Senate will vote on the amendment Wednesday, then the Assembly will consider it next week.

If approved, it will mark the sixth time in recent years voters will be asked whether to amend the constitution.

Last year, five constitutional amendments were presented to voters on topics ranging from limiting who funds elections to giving lawmakers more control over spending federal funds.

On Monday, Gov. Tony Evers announced he'll again propose a citizen-led referendum process in his state budget. The proposal would allow voters to alter or create new laws without approval from lawmakers.

GOP lawmakers already signaled they'll reject the measure.