The new legislative session is in full swing at the State Capitol! Legislation is being introduced, I’m meeting with stakeholders about their priorities, and committees are beginning their work. Recently, both the Senate and Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 2. SJR 2 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine into the Constitution current state law that requires voters to show a photo ID before voting. The next step for this proposed amendment is to go directly to the voters in April.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, which, according to a recent Gallup poll, is supported by more than 80% of Americans. Voter ID requirements are common-sense. You need an ID to drive a car, go to a bar, get on an airplane, even to buy cold medicine. Requiring an ID at the polling place just makes sense.

To become part of the Wisconsin Constitution, proposed amendments must pass through both houses of the legislature in two consecutive sessions. The proposals are then sent to Wisconsin voters for approval or rejection. The legislature has passed resolutions approving the proposed voter ID amendment during both the 2023-24 and now the 2025-26 legislative sessions. The next step in the process is asking voters the question in a statewide referendum on the spring election ballot.

In 2012, when the original voter ID law was put in place, I held listening sessions around my district. I heard concerns that people would struggle to acquire proper forms of identification and that this would hurt voter turnout. That has proven to not be an issue in Wisconsin. Since the implementation of voter ID, turnout has risen across the state. We saw a record-breaking turnout percentage in the 2020 presidential election and a record-breaking number of votes were cast in the 2024 presidential election.

Just like when the 2012 law went into effect, those who do not have a photo ID can get a free one at their local DMV for the purpose of voting.

Voter ID is not a radical, untested idea. Our state has over a decade of experience with this law and it has proved to work. Voter ID is a common-sense, popular idea and enshrining it in our state constitution will ensure that it remains in place for years to come.

As this proposed amendment moves on to voters, you will make the final decision during the spring election on April 1st. I hope that everyone takes this opportunity to make their voices heard. Thank you to everyone who has contacted my office about this issue; I appreciate your engagement.

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call our team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready, and willing, to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.