MADISON, WI (WSAU) – A three-judge panel has upheld most of Wisconsin’s election law. The unanimous ruling from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, limits early voting, reinstates absentee ballots, and tightens rules for showing ID before voting.
The tighter voting rules were enacted by the GOP-controlled legislature during Governor Scott Walker’s term, and had been challenged by liberal and minority activist groups.
The court order will be in effect for the fall elections in Wisconsin.
Among the court’s order:
Early voting will be limited to two weeks before the election. Supporters of the limits said it was unfair that large cities like Milwaukee and Madison could offer early voting months before an election, while smaller jurisdictions with limited staff could offer fewer early voting opportunities.
The court ruling also strikes down a lower order that allowed people without proper ID to cast provisional ballots, which would be counted once their IDs were confirmed. The court will allow no-cost birth certificates and identification cards to be issues to assist those who have trouble getting proper ID. The ruling would allow some college IDs to be used on Election Day.
The ruling also strikes down proposal to allow absentee ballots to be obtained via email or fax. Ballots can still be requested through the mail or through the state election commission’s voter portal.
All three of the appeals court judges, selected randomly, who issued the ruling were appointed by Republican presidents; two by Ronald Reagan and one by George W. Bush.
Election law has been closely watched in Wisconsin because the state is considered a key battleground in the November presidential election.
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