Noncitizen ID Debate and Fraud Allegations Mar Wisconsin Elections

2024 Presidential Election sign on American flag background.

Wisconsin Elections Commission faces scrutiny over noncitizen IDs and potential voter fraud risks.

At a Glance

Wisconsin law requires “Limited Term” and “Non-Domiciled” IDs to be accepted as voter identification
Congressman Bryan Steil calls for clarification on the use of these IDs in elections
Proposed guidance suggests implementing a challenge process for noncitizen IDs
Concerns rise over potential voter fraud in the battleground state
Republicans seek Department of Transportation data to identify alleged noncitizens on voter rolls

Controversy Erupts Over Noncitizen IDs in Wisconsin Elections

The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) finds itself at the center of a heated debate over the use of noncitizen IDs in the voting process. Congressman Bryan Steil has called for an immediate meeting of the commission to address concerns about “Limited Term” and “Non-Domiciled” IDs being potentially misused for voter registration. These IDs, issued to non-citizens with legal status in the U.S., must be accepted as valid voter identification under Wisconsin law.

The controversy stems from the fact that while these IDs are legally acceptable for voting purposes, mere possession does not equate to legal voting rights. Wisconsin law clearly states that voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents for 28 consecutive days before an election. The WEC has scheduled a meeting on November 1 to issue guidance to clerks regarding these IDs, which are typically issued to temporary visitors.

Proposed Guidance and Challenges

The proposed guidance from the WEC includes a challenge process for these IDs, requiring election inspectors to verify citizenship through an oath. However, this system has raised concerns about its effectiveness and the potential for voter fraud, especially in a crucial battleground state like Wisconsin.

According to The Federalist, Elections Commissioner Bob Spindell said that temporary visitor IDs generally issued to noncitizens can be used to vote, according to proposed guidance from members of the Elections Commission. Meaning that anyone could potentially claim to be a U.S. citizen and vote with the ID, with only their word as proof to said citizenship.

The political climate in Wisconsin has been marked by procedural chaos and increased voter trepidation since the 2020 election. Republican-led efforts have pushed for stricter voting laws, though many have been vetoed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. The state has seen various failed attempts to challenge presidential election results, further intensifying the focus on election security.

Efforts to Ensure Election Integrity

Despite the controversy, Wisconsin has established systems to ensure fair and accurate elections. Voter registration in the state requires affirmation or verification of citizenship under penalty of perjury. Election officials regularly update voter registration lists to reflect changes such as deaths, moves, or changes in voter eligibility.

In an attempt to address concerns, Wisconsin Republicans are seeking Department of Transportation citizenship data to identify and remove alleged noncitizens from voter rolls. However, the reliability of this data has been questioned by the Department of Transportation itself, citing it as potentially outdated and harmful to lawful voters. A lawsuit is ongoing, seeking to merge transportation data with voter rolls and require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 elections approach, with the Republican National Committee planning to hold its convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s election procedures remain under intense scrutiny. The state’s status as a challenging place for voters, due to strict ID laws and other barriers, continues to fuel debates over election security and accessibility. While safeguards exist to protect against fraudulent voting, including verification processes for mail-in and absentee ballots, the controversy surrounding noncitizen IDs highlights the ongoing tensions between ensuring election integrity and maintaining voter access in this crucial battleground state.