Wisconsin's photo ID requirement will be on the April ballot

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Voters will decide whether to enshrine Wisconsin's voter ID law in the state constitution after GOP lawmakers voted to place the question on the April ballot.

Assembly Republicans took final action on a constitutional amendment that will ask voters whether Wisconsin's existing law requiring voters to show proof of a photo ID at the polls should be added to the state constitution.

Republicans in the Senate passed the measure last week.

It will now mark the sixth time in the past year voters will be asked to amend the constitution.

Rob Yablon, an associate professor of law at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said constitutional amendments have been used by both Democrats and Republicans over the last two decades because it's a preferred option in divided government.

"Republicans who still control the Legislature do see this as a way they can enact their preferred policies even when those policies are opposed by Governor Evers," Yablon said.

The GOP-controlled Legislature has used constitutional amendments more frequently in recent years to pass their priorities because Gov. Tony Evers cannot veto them.

Democrats, who oppose the measure, believe the 2011 photo ID requirement has made it more difficult for people to vote.

If voters approve including voter ID in the state constitution, it would be harder for Democrats or the courts to repeal it.

If rejected by voters, the voter ID law would remain in place.

Last week, Gov. Evers proposed allowing citizens to propose statewide referendums to create or alter laws. The measure would not require legislative input.

GOP leaders quickly rejected the measure.