Editor:
Following an order from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, the photo ID requirement established as part of 2011 Act 23 will be in effect for the November 4th General Election.  
Although we opposed this law and are dismayed that the law is being implemented with barely two months to go before the election, we now want to ensure that every eligible voter is able to vote. To that end, we hope people will check to see if they have an acceptable ID by contacting their municipal clerk or going to http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/photo-id to view the list of IDs that can be used.
Most people will have an acceptable photo ID—like a WI driver’s license, WI state ID or US passport. Some do not have to show ID—including overseas and active military voters and those who are indefinitely confined due to age or infirmity. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles is making state ID’s free—even if you do not have a birth certificate.  But that could take time—especially if you were not born in Wisconsin.  For more information about obtaining an ID go to http://www.dot.state.wi.us/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm.
The League of Women Voters has always been for free, fair, and accessible elections. We hope that the public is not confused by this change in procedure just before an important state election.
Yolan Mistele, President
League of Women Voters of the Northwoods