Wisconsin Voters Approve Constitutional Amendment Enshrining Voter ID Law

Wisconsin voters have approved a constitutional amendment that will enshrine the state’s voter ID law in the state constitution, as per Fox News.

The Associated Press called the vote in favor of the amendment at 9:48 p.m. EST on Tuesday.

Wisconsin already requires voters to present photo identification at the polls, but the passage of this amendment elevates the law to a constitutional level, providing it with greater legal protection.

The measure was placed on the ballot by the Republican-controlled legislature, who framed it as an effort to bolster election security. By embedding the law in the state constitution, it is now shielded from potential legal challenges that could overturn it if Democrats gain control of the government. Constitutional amendments in Wisconsin require approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and a statewide popular vote.

The amendment’s passage has been met with celebration from Republican lawmakers and prominent figures, including President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

State Senator Van Wanggaard, a Republican co-author of the amendment, stated that “this will help maintain integrity in the electoral process, no matter who controls the Legislature.”

President Trump celebrated the result on Truth Social:

“VOTER I.D. JUST APPROVED IN WISCONSIN ELECTION. Democrats fought hard against this, presumably so they can CHEAT. This is a BIG WIN FOR REPUBLICANS, MAYBE THE BIGGEST WIN OF THE NIGHT. IT SHOULD ALLOW US TO WIN WISCONSIN, LIKE I JUST DID IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!”

Elon Musk also expressed his approval with a simple “Yeah!” on X, sharing The AP’s announcement.

Opponents of the amendment, who generally oppose photo ID requirements, argue that it will disproportionately disenfranchise people of color, disabled individuals, and low-income voters, claiming that the law is not applied fairly.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nine states, including Wisconsin, currently require photo identification for voting. Wisconsin’s requirements are considered to be the most stringent of those states. A total of 36 states have laws requiring or requesting some form of identification from voters.