Free birth certificates to help counteract State law that disenfranchises voters
Milwaukee County Supervisor Nikiya Q. Harris is reminding her constituents that, effective with the New Year, valid photo identification is now required to vote in Wisconsin. In an effort to promote voting and avoid disenfranchisement, Supervisor Harris is making sure constituents understand the steps necessary to vote in 2012.
“While it’s unfortunate that some individuals now have to jump through hurdles to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote, we are doing everything we can to streamline the process,” Supervisor Harris said. “Last year, I led the fight against this bill and hosted a series of town hall meetings and information sessions to get the word out. Now, we’re making sure voters are educated well in advance of heading to the polls. We want to make sure that every voice is heard and every vote counts.”
In order to obtain a free identification card from the State Department of Transportation, the applicant must provide a copy of a vital record, such as a birth certificate from the County Register of Deeds Office. For individuals who have never received a state ID card, Milwaukee County is currently offering free birth certificates for the purposes of voting.
“It’s great that a majority of the County Board agreed with me in waiving the $20 birth certificate fee,” Supervisor Harris added. “I am pleased that we took this step at the County level to limit disenfranchising voters at the polls.”
For more information or to access the birth certificate request form, Milwaukee County residents can visit Supervisor Harris’ webpage at http://county.milwaukee.gov/D2/VoterID.htm.
