An Act to amend 5.02 (6m) (f) of the statutes; Relating to: student identification acceptable for voting.
Summary
AB1175 would change Wisconsin’s voter identification law by expanding the acceptable expiration window for certain student ID cards used for voting. Under current law, a student identification card issued by a Wisconsin university, college, or technical college may be used as photo ID for voting only if it expires no later than two years after issuance, and only if the voter proves they are enrolled on the day the card is presented. This bill would extend that maximum expiration period to six years after issuance, while keeping the other requirements for the card unchanged.
The bill applies to student IDs issued by accredited Wisconsin universities and colleges, as well as technical colleges governed under the technical college system. It does not create a new category of identification; rather, it broadens the time period during which an existing student ID format remains valid for voting purposes. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Committee on Campaigns and Elections, but it ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1.
Impact
AB1175 would amend s. 5.02 (6m) (f) of the Wisconsin statutes, which governs acceptable photo identification for voting. The practical effect would be to allow more student ID cards to qualify as valid voting identification for a longer period, potentially reducing the need for students to obtain other forms of ID before voting. The change would affect universities, colleges, technical colleges, student voters, and election officials who verify acceptable identification at the polls.
Sentiment
The available record shows limited formal debate or recorded votes, so there is no detailed committee sentiment to assess. Based on the bill’s subject matter, the proposal appears aimed at making voting more accessible for enrolled students by easing an ID expiration restriction. Its failure to pass suggests it did not secure enough legislative support to advance, but the provided materials do not show specific floor or committee opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between voter access and election security/ID integrity. Supporters would likely view the bill as a modest, student-focused voting access measure that recognizes longer student enrollment timelines and the practical use of campus IDs. Opponents would likely be concerned that extending the expiration period from two to six years could weaken the reliability of student IDs as proof of current enrollment, even though the bill retains the requirement that the individual be enrolled when voting.