Town of Jackson, Adams County, Wisconsin : Elections : Photo ID Required

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Voter Photo ID is now the law in Wisconsin.

Starting in 2012, voters will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver license or state-issued ID in order to receive a ballot and vote.

At the recall and special elections in 2011, voters will be asked to show a photo ID for a "soft implementation" of the new law. Voters who do not have the required ID will will be able to vote, but will also receive a document explaining the requirements of the law for 2012 and how to receive a free ID.

To learn about getting a free Wisconsin ID card, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm

The law contains several other provisions affecting elections, including residency and absentee voting. Please see the links below.

The Government Accountability Board is developing education and outreach campaigns for the public.

This page contains information for voters and local election officials about the law and its requirements. It will be updated as the Board develops new educational materials.

Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law

Information provided by the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (See contact information below)

What has changed in the law?

Wisconsin law requires voters to show an acceptable photo ID to vote starting with the 2012 February Primary.
In any election before the 2012 February Primary, the law requires election workers to ask voters for an acceptable photo ID at the polling place, but voters without an acceptable photo ID will still be allowed to vote.
An acceptable photo ID will be required before receiving a ballot at the 2012 February Primary and all subsequent elections.

An acceptable photo ID is not required to have a current address.

A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card
A Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
A U.S. passport

Identifications above must have an expiration date after the November 2, 2010 election.

What is an acceptable ID?

A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
An unexpired driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT
An unexpired identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT
An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
An unexpired identification card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains the following:

-- Date of issuance

-- Signature of student

-- Expiration date not later than two years after date of issuance

How do I get a free photo ID to vote?

Wisconsin law requires the Department of Transportation to provide free ID cards to any individual who will be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election and who requests a free ID for the purpose of voting. The regular fee is $28.

Due to the need to provide a birth certificate and other documents to receive a DOT-issued ID, individuals should start the process of obtaining a statutory identification well in advance of an election at which they wish to vote.

For detailed information about the Voter Photo ID law, please visit the Government Accountability Board website: http://gab.wi.gov or call 1-866-VOTE-WIS or contact the G.A.B. Help Desk at 608-261-2028 or TTY 1-800-947-3529.