Wisconsin Voter ID Loophole Allows Over 140,000 to Vote Without Identification in 2024

A recent report highlights a significant loophole in Wisconsin’s election laws that could enable more than 140,000 voters to bypass identification requirements in the upcoming 2024 election. This situation raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process in the state.

Understanding the Loophole

The loophole in question pertains to the designation of voters as Indefinitely Confined, which permits them to cast ballots without presenting identification. This provision was initially established to facilitate voting for elderly, sick, or otherwise physically incapacitated individuals, allowing them to vote by mail without the need for ID.

Exploiting the Indefinitely Confined Status

During the 2020 pandemic, many took advantage of this allowance, with 265,979 voters registering as Indefinitely Confined. Reports indicate that clerks in Democratic strongholds actively encouraged this practice as a method to circumvent Wisconsin’s stringent voter ID laws.

Current Voting Landscape

As it stands, approximately 144,347 voters are still classified as Indefinitely Confined, meaning they can request and receive absentee ballots indefinitely without needing to provide identification.

Concerns Over Election Integrity

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has voiced significant concerns regarding this loophole, suggesting that it creates potential avenues for voter fraud. The organization asserts that it is crucial to resolve the issue to maintain the integrity of the electoral process in Wisconsin.

Compliance Issues Across Counties

There are discrepancies in how counties across Wisconsin adhere to state laws requiring the removal of individuals from the Indefinitely Confined list. In particular, voters are supposed to be removed if they cast an in-person ballot or fail to return an absentee ballot under specified conditions, yet not all counties are enforcing these rules.

Implications for the 2024 Election

The implications of this loophole could be significant, especially with polls indicating a highly competitive race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in Wisconsin. The potential impact on election outcomes has not gone unnoticed, prompting calls for legislative action.

A Call to Action

WILL Research Director Will Flanders has underscored the urgency for local election clerks to address this loophole to fortify the security and integrity of upcoming elections. Ensuring compliance with state law may help restore confidence in the electoral process.

As the 2024 election approaches, the scrutiny of voting procedures and regulations in Wisconsin continues, with stakeholders advocating for transparent and secure electoral practices.