Editor:

It is with great anxiety that I look at the upcoming elections in Wisconsin. A bill was passed and signed by Governor Walker that requires photo ID in May 2011. However, lawsuits (League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Chapter of the NAACP) and a temporary restraining order all bar implementation.

So here’s a simple solution from an ordinary citizen to solve the problem of requiring a state-issued photo ID to vote in Wisconsin.

When someone comes in to vote without the state-issued photo ID or applies to vote via Same Day Registration, take their picture at the polling place. Millions of digital cameras are everywhere. Take the picture in front of a poster that identifies the polling place (ex: Milwaukee Precinct 85). Perhaps a law might be passed requiring minimum pixels. Require that the applicant bring proof of address, fill out and sign the application for a state-issued ID.

Here’s my simple procedure: Application for Photo ID, Same Day Registration to Vote.

Under penalty of fraud ($ fine/prison/felony), I certify that:

I am applying for a photo ID to be used for the purpose of voting in Wisconsin. I am citizen of the United States. I am a resident of Wisconsin. Fill out name and home address. Fill out the application to vote. Take a photo with a digital camera in front of a sign. The application can be mailed to Madison; the digital photo can be emailed to Madison.

The Secretary of State’s office that can match up two documents-a paper application and a digital photo. After verifying specific information (perhaps utility bills, real estate tax records, prior voting records, felony records, actual residence-not business or empty property, etc, etc.) the SOS can then issue the state-issued photo ID similar to a driver’s license.

The new photo ID is returned to the local precinct where the applicant voted. The local town clerk or election official mails the voter ID Certified Mail Return Receipt. Anyone at the given address can receive the new photo voter ID.

Additional paperwork is in the envelope-photocopy of the ID and a statement that requires a signature receipt. Upon receipt the actual person must sign and return via mail the single sheet of paper stating: Under penalty of fraud ($fine/prison/felony): I acknowledge that I have received my personal photo voter ID for use in future elections. I acknowledge my name and residence.

This form must be returned to the local town clerk/precinct, and the new voter is legitimately added to the voter rolls in that local precinct. The local official attaches the signed receipt with the voter’s application to complete the file.

Shirley Kufeldt, Conover