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ACLU files federal lawsuit over Wisconsin's voter ID law
Chicago Tribune ^ | 12-13-11

Posted on 12/13/2011 2:13:06 PM PST by afraidfortherepublic

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday, claiming Wisconsin's new voter identification law imposes a severe burden on the right to vote - the second lawsuit filed in the last two months.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Milwaukee, the ACLU, the ACLU of Wisconsin and National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty asked the court to declare the law unconstitutional and award plaintiffs their attorneys' fees.

"This lawsuit is the opening act in what will be a long struggle to undo the damage done to the right to vote by strict photo ID laws and other voter suppression measures," said ACLU attorney Jon Sherman in a statement. "Across the nation, legislators are robbing countless American citizens of their fundamental right to vote, and in the process, undermining the very legitimacy of our democracy. We intend to redirect their attention to the United States Constitution."

According to the lawsuit, requiring only certain types of government-issued photo ID imposes a severe burden on voting rights and effectively imposes an unconstitutional poll tax.

Among the defendants named are Gov. Scott Walker and members of the Government Accountability Board, which oversees state elections, and the Department of Transportation, which oversees the Division of Motor Vehicles that issues state IDs.

In an email statement, Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said the law is constitutional and other states laws with photo ID requirements have been upheld by federal courts.

"Requiring photo identification to vote helps ensure the integrity of our elections - we already require it to get a library card, cold medicine, and public assistance," he said.

(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; News/Current Events; US: Wisconsin
KEYWORDS: aliens; voterid
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To: mo

We should adopt Mexico’s voting laws and immigration laws. They have good food too. I am trying to think of a fourth thing to praise Mexico for..... I’ve got it. Salma Hayek!


21 posted on 12/13/2011 3:02:22 PM PST by forgotten man (forgotten man)
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To: EQAndyBuzz

Does this also mean that cops disenfranchise certain criminals when they ask them to produce ID?

Does it mean the liquor laws disenfranchise customers because the law requires stores to have customers show ID they are old enough to purchase alcohol legally? (Same with cigarettes).

Does it mean the power and gas companies disenfranchise certain customers because you can’t get services unless you show a govt ID?

Does it mean banks and loan companies disenfranchise certain customers because they won’t give out loans to you without a government ID? I can’t even make deposits at certain bank branches without showing my ID.

The answer to all of the questions is “Hell No.”


22 posted on 12/13/2011 3:04:57 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

You also have to have a photo ID to pick up Toys for Tots, to ensure that the parents of actual kids are picking up the toys.


23 posted on 12/13/2011 3:14:57 PM PST by Yulee (Village of Albion)
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Comment #24 Removed by Moderator

Comment #25 Removed by Moderator

To: afraidfortherepublic
Haven't read this particular bill, but I know in some states, they provide official, photo ID's to low income people FREE of charge.

That should knock the Anti Christian Litigation Unit's (ACLU) argument right out of the park.

Game, set, match!

PS: How do all these "poor" people cash a check, open a bank account, buy adult beverages (oops my bad, lol) pick up prescriptions, apply for benefits, and many, many, other services that ALL require photo ID's???

PPS: Guess NONE of these "disadvantaged" drive???

26 posted on 12/13/2011 3:17:24 PM PST by Conservative Vermont Vet (l)
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To: BradtotheBone

I’m amazed such a lawsuit can be filed. The court should bounce it and fine the ACLU for filing a frivolous suit.


27 posted on 12/13/2011 3:19:30 PM PST by Kellis91789 (The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.)
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To: afraidfortherepublic
don't Welfare cards have their picture on them up there???
28 posted on 12/13/2011 3:23:14 PM PST by Chode (American Hedonist - *DTOM* -ww- NO Pity for the LAZY)
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To: afraidfortherepublic
"strict photo ID laws and other voter suppression measures"

LEGA voters have NO PROBLEM with requiring IN PERSON VOTERS TO SHOW POSITIVE PHOTO ID.

There's so much illegal ballot-stuffing from mail-in votes that Dem's vote in numbers greater than Registered Democrat Voter numbers, in some locales.

Why can't the USSC rule that States have a Right to set their own Rules for Voter Registration and Identification?

Using the tired "disenfrancihises minorities and poor people" is B.S.

If they can manage to get their Benefits (welfare, food stamps, etc.), and DRIVERS LICENSES FOR ILLEGALS, how is it disenfranchisement to require IDENTIFICATION to Vote?

29 posted on 12/13/2011 3:41:19 PM PST by traditional1 (Free speech for me.....not for thee)
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To: tillacum
"If someone does not own property and does not pay taxes they shouldn’t be allowed to vote either."

That's EXACTLY who votes Democrat, straight-across. If it's self-serving (i.e., to sustain their parasitic existence), they VOTE FOR IT.

30 posted on 12/13/2011 3:43:10 PM PST by traditional1 (Free speech for me.....not for thee)
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To: traditional1

LEGA=LEGAL


31 posted on 12/13/2011 3:47:48 PM PST by traditional1 (Free speech for me.....not for thee)
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To: afraidfortherepublic
What a coincidence! This is just in time for the recall election.

-PJ

32 posted on 12/13/2011 3:48:44 PM PST by Political Junkie Too (If you can vote for President, then your children can run for President.)
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To: afraidfortherepublic
...and award plaintiffs their attorneys' fees.

So the ACLU is capitalistic after all.....

33 posted on 12/13/2011 3:52:11 PM PST by jeffc (Prayer. It's freedom of speech.)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

You must show an ID to do the following:

Open a bank account-—ID MUST include your ORIGINAL birth certificate.

Get utilities in your name- power, water, etc.

Rent ANYTHING—a house-— apartment- a large tool at United Rentals—a rental car or minivan.

Cash a check.

Get a renewal of your driver’s license or get a new driver’s license in another state. Also requires your original birth certificate.

Get auto insurance for your vehicles.

Buy a ticket on an airline & fly. You get to produce your ID over and over again until you are seated in your place on the airplane.

Proper ID is also needed for your kid to get into school-—join a sports team—etc.

Requiring a proper photo ID to vote should be applauded by every voter.

The ACLU can pound sand, IMO.


34 posted on 12/13/2011 4:05:18 PM PST by ridesthemiles
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

Yep. It causes the illegals not to vote and the deceased too.


35 posted on 12/13/2011 4:09:00 PM PST by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote; then find me a real conservative to vote for)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Perhaps the Court will rule that they have “no standing.”


36 posted on 12/13/2011 4:10:59 PM PST by Radix ("..Democrats are holding a meeting today to decide whether to overturn the results of the election.")
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To: Annoying Imp
requiring ID for cold medicine is just stupid nanny statism

I'm not sure making things difficult for meth lab entrepreneurs qualifies as nanny statism.

37 posted on 12/13/2011 4:35:00 PM PST by Minn (Here is a realistic picture of the prophet: ----> ([: {()
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To: BradtotheBone
ACLU can be asked to appear in court WITH their poor deprived victims.

They, of course, will need to be prepared to provide a picture ID to get into the court house.

38 posted on 12/13/2011 4:59:49 PM PST by muawiyah
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To: traditional1

Bill Gates votes Democrat. He owns everything that can be owned.


39 posted on 12/13/2011 5:01:35 PM PST by muawiyah
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To: muawiyah
"Bill Gates votes Democrat. He owns everything that can be owned"

The VAST MAJORITY of the Dem's base are Unionistas, Felons, Parasites, Minorities, and white-guilt loons, with a smattering of Enviro-wacko's and non-productive Students.

Those who work for a living, or pay their own way, and/or want the U.S. Constitution re-instated, don't vote Democrat.

40 posted on 12/13/2011 5:06:38 PM PST by traditional1 (Free speech for me.....not for thee)
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