Judge To Hear Arguments In Voter ID Lawsuit

A judge is scheduled to hear arguments this week about the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s new voter photo identification law.

Supporters argue the Republican-authored law will help curtail fraud. Opponents counter the law disenfranchises groups of people who likely don’t have identification, such as the poor, minorities and the disabled.

The League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit in Dane County against Gov. Scott Walker and state election officials challenging the law. The group argues the state constitution bars only children, felons and the mentally incompetent from voting and the Legislature improperly prohibited a new class of people — namely, those without IDs — from voting.

The state Justice Department has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Judge Richard Niess is set to hear arguments on Thursday.