Judge orders Walker Administration to help people seeking voting credentials wade through the complicated process and undertake a public education campaign.
MADISON - Judge James D. Peterson ordered the Walker Administration today to take immediate action to remedy clear voting rights violations in the implementation of the Photo ID requirement. This includes helping people seeking voting credentials navigate the complicated process and undertaking a major public education campaign.
Judge Peterson said this morning he did not have the authority to enjoin the Photo ID law. A written order detailing the steps the Walker Administration must take is expected later today.
Judge Peterson’s action was in response to a motion by plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed by Citizen Action’s charitable arm, Citizen Action of Wisconsin Education Fund and Citizen Action community organizer Anita Johnson. Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include One Wisconsin Institute, Renee M. Gagner, Cody R. Nelson, Jennifer S. Tasse, Scott T. Trindl, Michael R. Wilder, Johnny M. Randle, David Walker, David Aponte, and Cassandra M. Silas.
“We believe that the Photo ID law inherently disenfranchises voters, and will ultimately be struck down as unconstitutional,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. “However, this close to the election, any interim action that will help more citizens get the credentials they need to vote is a step forward. We applaud Judge Peterson’s efforts to make sure that as many people as possible are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote.”
“We will continue giving hands on assistance to people trying to navigate the complicated system at the DMV for obtaining voting credentials,” said Anita Johnson, Community Organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin who works full time on enfranchising voters and is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit. “There are still thousands of people who need help if they are going to be qualified to vote. Any assistance the State of Wisconsin can provide, in accordance with Judge’s Peterson’s orders, will be greatly appreciated.”