Wisconsin Senate Bill SJR2

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/25
• Refer: 1/6/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Passed: 1/14/25

Caption

To create section 1m of article III of the constitution; Relating to: requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration).

Summary

SJR2 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voters in any election to present valid photographic identification before casting a ballot. The amendment specifies that acceptable photo ID would include identification issued by Wisconsin, the federal government, a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in Wisconsin, or a Wisconsin college or university. It also directs the legislature to define acceptable forms of photo ID and to create any exceptions to the requirement by statute. The resolution further provides that voters who cannot present photo identification on election day must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, but that ballot could not be counted unless the voter later presents valid photo identification at a time and place established by law. The measure was approved by the legislature as a second consideration constitutional amendment and is intended to be submitted to voters for ratification at the April 2025 election.

Impact

If ratified by voters, SJR2 would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to add a photo identification requirement for voting in any election, shifting the rule from ordinary statutory law to constitutional law. It would affect all qualified electors and would require election officials to verify identity using approved photo IDs, while also requiring the legislature to set the list of acceptable IDs, exceptions, and procedures for provisional ballots. The amendment would likely have significant effects on election administration, voter access, and future legislative authority over election identification rules.

Sentiment

The legislative votes suggest the proposal was supported but contested. It passed the Senate 17-15 and the Assembly 54-45, indicating narrow majorities and clear partisan division rather than broad consensus. The text itself frames the measure as a voter-identification safeguard, while the close votes suggest that supporters viewed it as an election integrity measure and opponents likely saw it as a barrier to voting.

Contention

The main point of contention is the requirement that voters present photographic identification to vote, especially because it applies to all elections and is embedded in the constitution. Supporters appear to favor the rule as a way to verify identity and standardize election procedures, while opponents likely object to the possibility that eligible voters without photo ID could be forced to use provisional ballots that may not be counted unless they later produce identification. The bill also leaves important details to future legislation, including acceptable IDs and exceptions, which may be another area of dispute.