May 19, 2011

After Democrat stall tactics delayed a vote on voter ID legislation Tuesday, the Senate finally approved Assembly Bill 7 (AB 7) Thursday morning. Most notably, AB 7 requires citizens provide photo identification to vote at a polling place or to vote absentee.

State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), a sponsor of AB 7 and Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportations and Elections, issued the following statement after the approval of AB 7.

"The approval of bipartisan voter ID legislation by both houses of the state legislature is long overdue. The vast majority of Wisconsinites support requiring photo identification to vote. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections, voter ID legislation is one of my top priorities. Assembly Bill 7 achieves an important objective: Protect every citizen’s right to have their vote fairly counted.

"Ensuring integrity of elections is of utmost importance in our democracy. Requiring voters to prove their identity is a reasonable step and one that is constitutional. Assembly Bill 7 strengthens Wisconsin voters’ confidence in the electoral process and guarantees everyone the right to vote.

"I applaud the Senate’s action today, and encourage Governor Walker to sign Assembly Bill 7."​