Noncitizen ID Can Be Used To Vote, Says Proposed Wisconsin Election Commission Guidance

SUMMARY

The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) plans to issue guidance on the use of Limited Term and Non-Domiciled driver’s licenses—temporary visitor IDs—allowing them as proof of residency for voter registration. This decision, prompted by Rep. Bryan Steil, raises concerns about election integrity, as these IDs could potentially enable noncitizens to vote based on their self-assertion of U.S. citizenship. The proposed guidance outlines that election inspectors must question individuals presenting these IDs under oath, but if they claim citizenship, they can still vote, leading to worries about the adequacy of checks against voter fraud. Critics, including WEC commissioner Bob Spindell, argue this system relies on an "honor system," increasing the risk of ineligible votes in a critical battleground state. The guidance comes amidst ongoing political debates over voter ID laws, particularly after previous efforts to clarify voting eligibility were vetoed by Democrat Governor Tony Evers.