Steady demand reported for student voter ID cards
Requests for the new UW–Madison voter identification card have been steady as the first election since the requirement that voters show photo identification at the polls approaches.
By the end of last week, the third week the voter IDs have been available, the WisCard office had issued 246 of the cards, according to Wiscard program manager Jim Wysocky.
Wysocky says the rollout of the cards has gone smoothly. “This has worked very well,” he says.
Students can receive a UW–Madison voter ID card at the Wiscard office in Union South. Wiscard hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students must present their current Wiscard to receive the supplemental card.
Changes in Wisconsin election law require a photo ID be presented at the polls. In addition to a photo, UW–Madison voter IDs include the student’s signature and expire two years from the issuance date, also in compliance with a new state voting law.
The UW–Madison voter ID cards are not be valid for any other purpose or service on the campus. The UW–Madison voter ID cards are clearly marked “VOTER IDENTIFICATION.”
Students using the UW–Madison issued voter IDs are also required to present proof of enrollment at the polls. The university has prepared a self-service Enrollment Verification letter that is accessible from the Student Center at MyUW. Students may also use the form as proof of residence for voter registration.
The awareness campaign about the ID cards is continuing. A student- created Web video featuring Bucky Badger as he receives his voter ID card is now posted.
The spring primary election in Wisconsin is set for next Tuesday, Feb. 21. Students are reminded that if they vote in elections under their Madison address, they are not allowed to vote again in their parents’ home districts.
Other scheduled election dates this year include the spring general election on April 3, the fall primary election on Aug. 14, and the fall general election on Nov. 6.