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For Immediate Release Contact: Rebekah Sweeney

November 1, 2011 (608) 266-3790

Jorgensen’s Journal: Know What’s Required

Under New Voter ID Law

Earlier this year, as you’re no doubt aware, legislative Republicans and Governor Walker pushed

through sweeping changes to our state’s election laws. While I stood in opposition to these measures

out of concern they would disenfranchise many voters, the bills are now law.

No matter your opinion of the law, it’s critically important you understand it. In the coming months, I’ll

be writing a number of columns that explain what’s now required of Wisconsin voters. With this week’s

edition of “Jorgensen’s Journal,” I’ll go over the basics.

You’ve probably heard of the biggest change the law made: all Wisconsin voters must show a

photographic identification card, or photo ID, to participate in elections in 2012. You can use a

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) driver’s license or DOT-issued identification card, a

card issued by a U.S. uniformed service such as the Army or Navy, or a passport. These cards must be

unexpired or, have only expired after the date of the most recent general election. You may also show a

photo ID issued by a federally-recognized Wisconsin Indian tribe or an unexpired photo ID card issue bya Wisconsin-accredited university or college that shows the issuance date, student’s signature and an

expiration date not later than two years after the issuance date. Note that the address on your photo ID

doesn’t have to match the address listed on registration rolls.

The new law also states Wisconsinites should have access to a free photo ID card for voting. However,

in order to get this card, you must not have a valid driver’s license. For more information on how to get

the free card, you can visit the DOT’s website:

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm. If you plan to get this card, please start

the process early, as you will have to find and provide your birth certificate or a valid passport, proof of 

your identity, proof of your residency, proof of your citizenship status and your social security number.

If you need a copy of your birth certificate, call the Wisconsin Office of Vital Records at (608) 266-1371; unfortunately, copies are not free.

When you go to vote, remember that election workers must ask for – and see – your identification card,

even if they know you.

The changes don’t stop at photo ID. The new voting law requires Wisconsinites to have lived at their

voting address for 28 consecutive days prior to the election. A voter can no longer use a witness to

provide their proof of residence. Unless they are physically unable to do so, voters must now sign in to

get a ballot. And, voting straight-party ticket is no longer an option.

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For more on what to expect if you vote absentee, or on any of the issues I’ve touched on, you may want

to visit the Government Accountability Board’s website: www.gab.wi.gov. And, keep an eye out for

upcoming columns on the new voting law. I want you to have the information you need to stay active in

our electoral process. Your voice matters!

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