Capitol Report
By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
The Real Intent of Voter ID Republicans are never shy about promoting themselves as diehard patriots and staunch defenders of the Constitution. However, their actions and public policy purport a far different reality.
As history has shown time and time again, the GOP does considerably better at the polls when voter turnout is scant. Midterm and spring elections are prime examples of this fact. In truth, there are far more people who are either Democrats, or lean in that political direction, than there are Republicans.
Consequently, Republicans must employ one of two strategies, in order to be more competitive at the polls. Approach one: The GOP could do some real soul-searching and opt to amend its caustic public policy message that many consider divisive and racially insensitive. Or approach two: The GOP could simply try to slant the rules to give them a political advantage. Obviously, Republicans have chosen the latter course. In reality, the voter ID law is just one of a “broader quilt” of laws passed by Wisconsin Republicans that make it more difficult for many residents to vote.
In recent years, the state has also cut the number of early voting days, eliminating the possibility of voting on the weekend before the election – i.e. Black Congregations’ Souls to the Polls outreach efforts.
Republicans always contend that a voter ID requirement is necessary in order to stop voter fraud. However, recent testimony from an ongoing lawsuit (challenging the voter ID law) paints a far different picture.
Republican lawmakers such as State Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and then-state Sen. Glenn Grothman (now a congressman) designed this law to limit voting in traditionally Democratic strongholds such as Milwaukee and college campuses. The legislative intent, then and now, is winning elections.
My position on this most contentious issue has been consistent and steadfast: requiring an individual to produce photo identification, in order to cast their vote, is both unreasonable as well as unnecessary, and places an undue hardship on certain voters.
A person’s right to vote is a fundamental right. We shouldn’t be erecting barriers to prevent or dissuade individuals from participating in the process. We must stop voter suppression in Wisconsin.