After each election cycle, problems invariably arise and legislators start working to reform the system and tighten up the voting process.
This cycle is no different.
In response to voter-fraud claims in Milwaukee, legislators began working to reform the voter registration process by requiring a state identification card in order to cast a ballot. While voter fraud should be investigated and those who broke the law should be prosecuted, the plan in the state legislature would efficiently limit the number of voters while inefficiently working to eliminate voter fraud.
On November 2, 2004 more Wisconsin voters turned to the polls than in any election since 1960. With 73 percent of registered voters participating in the election, Wisconsin had the third-highest turnout in the country (with Minnesota ranking number one at 76 percent and Oregon second at 74 percent). Nationwide turnout only reached 59 percent, and Michigan, another Midwestern swing state, only reached 66 percent turnout.
Way to go Wisconsinites!
The primary reason why voters came out in such large numbers on Election Day was because it is relatively easy to vote here. While early registration is available, voters could wait until Election Day to register so long as they have proper proof of address showing their residence in the state. Even if someone forgets their proof of address, a registered voter could vouch for their residency. This is by far one of the most user-friendly voter registration systems in the country and ensures that everyone who wants to vote can.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t problems across the state, though. While nothing as bad as Florida 2000, Milwaukee encountered errors and fraud is blamed. It seemed that more ballots were cast than voters who showed up. In some precincts, more than 500 additional votes have been recorded, the majority of which went to Democratic candidate John Kerry.
In response to the allegations of fraud, Steve Freese (R-Dodgeville), Chairman of the Campaigns and Elections Committee, along with colleagues Jeff Stone (R-Franklin) and John Ainsworth (R-Shawano), have mobilized legislation that will require voters to show a valid drivers license or state identification card to register to vote. If voting absentee, a photocopy of a valid identification card must be mailed in as well as the registration and voting paperwork. While this may not stop the most determined voters from casting their ballot, it is indeed a significant obstacle for first-timers attempting to vote.
If voters do not have their identification, then they will be turned away from the polls. That is unacceptable. If the state legislature is going to write legislation that impacts voting, it should be legislation that makes it easier to vote, not harder. Even the smallest deterrent to voting, such as this legislation, will reduce the number of ballots cast. This is counter-intuitive to the very core of Democracy and is intolerable.
These Republican lawmakers cite the integrity of the state’s election process as the reason for these reforms. Buttressed by the Milwaukee claims, Republican lawmakers are hoping that this time the legislation would be passed, unlike in 2003 when Republican legislators sent a similar bill to Governor Doyle’s desk, only to have it vetoed. The Democratic governor has signaled that he would veto this legislation if it passed in the State House.
Voter fraud is a serious problem and requires a proper investigation to uncover how something like that could happen. By utilizing existing laws to uncover any wrongdoing, the inconsistencies in Milwaukee will be straightened out. However, by pushing for this legislation, Republican lawmakers are politicizing irregularities for the benefit of having their name on a piece of legislation by proposing a solution that will restrict voting, not make it error-proof.
Jackie Lantz ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science.