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Voter Photo ID Law Information

Voter Photo ID

New Voter Photo ID website: BringIt.Wisconsin.Gov

The G.A.B. launched a statewide voter photo ID awareness campaign in early January, featuring a dedicated website designed to tell Wisconsinites everything they need to know about the new law, including how to get a free state ID card.  Act 23 requires voters to show a photo ID to receive a ballot, and to sign the poll list, starting in February. 

Invite the G.A.B. to speak to your group about Voter Photo ID

Additional, detailed information about the Voter Photo ID Law

Wisconsin's New Voter Photo ID Law

Voter Photo ID is now the law in Wisconsin.

Starting in 2012, voters will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver license or state-issued ID in order to receive a ballot and vote.

To learn about getting a free Wisconsin ID card, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm

The law contains several other provisions affecting elections, including residency and absentee voting.  Please see the links below.

The Government Accountability Board is developing education and outreach campaigns for the public.  You can request a G.A.B. staff member to speak to your organization about Voter Photo ID through our Speakers Bureau.

This page contains information for voters and local election officials about the law and its requirements.  It will be updated as the Board develops new educational materials.

View the Voter Photo ID FAQ.

Learn about the History of the Voter Photo ID Law.

Wisconsin Legislative Council Act Memo for Voter Photo ID Law

Quick Reference Topics for Voter Photo ID

Click on the topics below for printable information about Voter Photo ID.
Absentee Voting and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Acceptable Photo ID
Certificate of U.S. Naturalization for Voter Photo ID
Confidential Voters and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Elderly and Voters with Disabilities and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Election Day Voting and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Ex-Felons and Incarcerated Voters
Federally-Recognized Indian Tribal ID Card
Getting a Wisconsin Driver License
Getting a Wisconsin State ID Card
Homeless Voters and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
How to Get a FREE Wisconsin State ID Card
Major Impacts of Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Name Changes and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Obtaining a Birth Certificate to get a State ID Card
Proof of Residence and Wisconsin’s New Voter Photo ID Law
Religious Exceptions -- Wisconsin State ID Without Photo
University or College Student ID Cards
US Passport (Book & Card)
US Uniformed Service Card for Voter Identification

Information for Voters

Overview of Absentee Voting Rules
Major Impacts of the New Voter Photo ID Bill
Testimony on 2011 Assembly Bill 476
Testimony to Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections re: 2011 SB 381
Wisconsin Voting: The Indefinitely Confined & Voters in Care Facilities
Testimony to Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules 11-15-2011
How to Obtain a Free Wisconsin State ID for Voting Purposes -- Clerks
Voter Photo ID and Other Recent Changes to Election Laws
Form Letters for Indefinitely-Confined Absentee Voters and “Regular” Absentee Voters
Uniform Instructions for First-Time Voters Who Registered by Mail
Uniform Instructions for Wisconsin Absentee Voters
Uniform Instructions for Absentee Military Voters
Absentee Voting Rules Overview
Testimony to Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules 9-27-2011
Voter Photo ID Law: A Resource Guide and Documents Regarding Changes to Election Law
Voter Photo ID Team Implementation Concept
G.A.B. Voter Photo ID Plan for Joint Committee on Finance
2011 Wisconsin Act 23
Voter Photo ID Handout
Major Impacts of Photo ID Law for 2011

Wisconsin Eye: Voter ID Law

G.A.B. Director Kevin Kennedy appeared on Wisconsin Eye's Newsmakers program to discuss the new Voter Photo ID Law. 

Click here to watch.

Information for Local Election Officials

Title Post date
Photo ID Election Day Notice and Acceptable ID Handout February 14, 2012 - 4:27pm
New Training Resources Available February 10, 2012 - 5:44pm
Updated Key Changes to SVRS for Photo ID February 10, 2012 - 5:00pm
Sample Voter Photo ID News Release Template for Clerks December 8, 2011 - 10:48am
NEW Public Information Brochure on the New Photo ID Law Focusing on Indefinitely Confined and Voters in Care Facilities November 30, 2011 - 4:51pm
New Public Information Brochures on Obtaining a Free State ID November 7, 2011 - 12:37pm
Public Information Brochures on the New Voter Photo ID Law October 19, 2011 - 1:09pm
Impact of Voter ID Legislation With Respect to Absentee Voters October 7, 2011 - 1:58pm
Voter Photo ID Law Clerk Advisory Committee Survey August 26, 2011 - 9:35am
Photo ID Law Update #6 August 4, 2011 - 11:04am
Photo ID Law Update #5 -- What We Learned from the Primaries July 14, 2011 - 2:11pm
Guidance Regarding Poll Book Printing for the Summer Elections and Future Elections July 8, 2011 - 2:38pm
Photo ID Law Update #4 -- Changes to Election Process, Effective Immediately July 8, 2011 - 1:30pm
Wisline Voter ID Teleconference Audio is now available July 8, 2011 - 11:00am
Voter Photo ID Informational Teleconference Calls Scheduled June 28, 2011 - 10:24am
Photo ID Law Update #3 -- Changes to Election Process, Effective Immediately June 23, 2011 - 3:56pm
Photo ID Law Update #2 Changes to Election Process Effective Immediately June 21, 2011 - 10:43am
Photo ID Law Update #1: Changes to the Election Process Effective Immediately June 10, 2011 - 2:53pm

4th Street Forum: Your Papers Please

G.A.B. Director and General Counsel Kevin Kennedy was a guest on 4th Street Forum on October 20, to discuss the Voter Photo ID Law.