Federal appeals court allows Wisconsin to enforce Voter ID laws

By: CBS58 Staff

Posted: Sep 12, 2014 6:49 PM CDT | Updated: Nov 5, 2014 3:41 PM CDT

CHICAGO -- The United States Seventh District Court of Appeals has lifted the hold on Wisconsin's Voter ID law passed by a Republican-controlled state legislature in 2011.

The written judgment from the appellate court says if Wisconsin wishes to, it may enforce photo ID requirements for the November 2014 elections.

A U.S. district court struck down the Voter ID law in 2012. The appeals court judgment says the Wisconsin Voter ID law is \"materially identical\" to the Voter ID law passed in Indiana. The Indiana law was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008.

Read the full judgement from the U.S. Court of Appeals

The Government Accountability Board says it is making every effort to fully implement Wisconsin's Voter ID law for November's general election.

Governor Scott Walker is calling this ruling a \"win for the electoral process and voters in Wisconsin\".

\"Today's ruling makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat\", says Governor Walker.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen released the following statement:

“Today’s decision is a victory for common sense, fair elections, and the right of every eligible voter to cast a vote that will count. This ruling vindicates the law and our efforts to ensure the policy of this state will be in effect for November’s election.

My staff and I will work with the Government Accountability Board to ensure every eligible voter will be able to cast a ballot”

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also responded to the ruling with a statement. It reads:

\"We think this is a step back in time to the era prior to the Voting Rights Act that established fairness in elections. We continue to advocate with the legislature to encourage voter participation, not discourage it. There is a disparity in the population that will be most affected---people in poverty, students and seniors. While it is just 45 days prior to the Election, with an anticipated voter turnout comparable to a presidential election, the City of Milwaukee will be prepared and do everything to ensure its residents still have a smooth voting experience. \"