As expected, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced Thursday the Department of Justice has appealed two Dane County judges’ decisions to permanently suspend a new law requiring voters show a valid ID at polling places.
After state Circuit Court Judge Richard G. Niess permanently suspended implementation of the law last week on grounds it unconstitutionally disenfranchises some citizens, voters no longer have to show a valid form of identification before receiving a ballot. Dane County Circuit Judge David Flanagan, whose decision Van Hollen is in the process of appealing, ruled the law is unconstitutional as well.
A successful appeal will not reverse the rulings in time for the April 3 spring election and the recall elections in May and June. But if successful, Van Hollen’s challenges could affect November elections, which include the presidential election.
