Wisconsin’s Department of Justice once again appealed a judge’s ruling Thursday, attempting to reinstate the recently blocked voter identification law.
Judges have issued injunctions against implementing voter ID laws in two separate cases, and the DOJ has now appealed both.
Although the department filed its latest request Thursday, it comes too late for those hoping to reinstate voter ID requirements in time for the upcoming presidential primary April 3.
While Republican lawmakers said requiring proof of identification at the polls safeguards electoral integrity, critics contend the voter ID law disenfranchises voters, particularly minorities, the elderly and students.
Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess issued his original injunction, which prevents the implementation of voter ID requirements at the polls, March 12.
The DOJ filed its second request Thursday after Niess denied the department’s original appeal and upheld the injunction Tuesday, calling the law “unconstitutional.”
State attorneys argue the injunction blocking the law should not take effect until a Milwaukee appeals court has a chance to rule in a separate voter ID suit filed by two Milwaukee groups.
The Milwaukee judge issued a similar initial injunction, but has yet to rule on the DOJ appeal.
