FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Senator Ted Kanavas
September 24, 2009 (608) 266-9174
Representative Bill Kramer
(608) 266-8580
Kanavas/Kramer Introduce Voluntary Voter ID Bill
(Madison, WI)…Today, State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) and State Representative Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha) introduced the Protect My Vote Act. The bill creates a voluntary photo ID program in Wisconsin so people can ensure their vote does not get stolen on Election Day.
“We know voter fraud exists and we have to take steps to eliminate it wherever and whenever we can. At a minimum we should be protecting people who are concerned about their vote being stolen and their rights being violated,” stated Kanavas.
The Protect My Vote Act, circulated today to solicit legislative cosponsors, creates a voluntary program allowing voters to request they be asked for a photo ID in order to vote on Election Day. Senator Kanavas introduced the bill at the request of a constituent who went to the polls in 2006 only to discover someone had already voted using his name. Under the Kanavas/Kramer legislation, the names of voters who opted-in to the program will be highlighted on the voter rolls requiring the election worker to ask for the person’s photo ID.
“In a little over a year, voters will be going to the polls for a statewide election. People need to have confidence in our electoral system and know that when they arrive to vote they’ll be able to do so,” added Kramer.
Legislators have two weeks to sign on as cosponsors of the bill at which point it will be given a bill number and assigned to a Senate committee.
###