The city council unanimously voted Tuesday to swear in an interim alder for District 10, commend a retiring child care specialist’s commitment to the city and announce March as “Get Your Voter ID Month.”

To vote or not to vote: Many still unaware of voter photo ID law

The council unanimously passed a resolution to designate March as “Get Your Voter ID Month” as part of an effort to raise awareness on new voter ID restrictions. Under state law, voters must now present a Wisconsin driver’s license, U.S. passport or another form of accepted photo ID. Gov. Scott Walker signed the restrictions into law in 2011, which came into effect in 2015 after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal case regarding it.

Voter ID debate continues, could cause decreased voter turnout

The entire council cosponsored the resolution, which will be paired with transportation initiatives to help voters acquire IDs.

Preceding the vote, Ingrid Rothe, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Dane County, talked about the low turnout in the February elections. She said those who turned out were primarily veteran voters.

Rothe said at one polling location, 98 people had unacceptable IDs, signalling that even experienced voters were caught off guard by rule changes. Council members hope to make a concerted effort to educate residents about the rule changes, with specific plans to be announced Wednesday.

At the meeting the council also recognized Lois Evenson, who was instrumental in restructuring accredited child care programs and stabilizing their existence in low-income areas.

Ald. Denise DeMarb, District 16, read a resolution highlighting Evenson’s commitment to Madison, where she has worked since 1989. DeMarb said Everson, a UW graduate, offered expert advice to child care providers that improved quality of care and children’s learning experiences.

Mayor Paul Soglin commended Evenson for her efforts within the Madison Area Accredited Early Childhood Association, which he said surrounding areas envied. He said parents in other counties would ask for their child care providers to get accredited through Madison’s association.

Evenson led a 10-year study in Wisconsin that found accredited child care centers had fewer regulatory violations than unaccredited ones, DeMarb said.

“[Everson] is one of the many unsung heroes the city has,” DeMarb said.

Additionally, Ald. Tim Gruber, District 11, will now serve as alder until spring 2017 following former alder Chris Schmidt’s resignation in January.