Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1046

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Student identification used for voting. (FE)

Impact

The passage of AB1046 will modernize voter identification requirements specifically for students at technical colleges and universities in Wisconsin. Each institution will be mandated to issue new student identification cards aligned with the bill's criteria by August 1, 2024. This could potentially increase voter participation among students by removing previous barriers related to ID expiration and enrollment verification. It readdresses a significant legal concern that previously restricted student engagement in the electoral process.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1046, introduced in 2024, aims to amend existing voting laws regarding student identification. The bill emerges in the context of a previous ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit that deemed the requirement for students to present both an unexpired ID and proof of enrollment as unconstitutional. The proposed changes will allow students to utilize expired student identification cards for voting, provided they demonstrate proof of enrollment if their ID has expired. This adjustment aims to simplify the process for students when participating in elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention around AB1046 may revolve around the efficacy and security of using expired IDs for voting. Critics might argue that allowing expired identification could complicate the verification process and raise issues related to election integrity. Proponents, however, emphasize that the changes would make voting more accessible for students, addressing a demographic that often faces barriers when trying to participate in elections. This balance between accessibility and security may prove a critical topic of discussion in legislative debates surrounding the bill.