Question on college student voting

[HelenWheels]

Just can't seem to get a definite answer on student voting. My granddaughter's legal address is Wausau but she attends Stout in Menominee. She has a driver's license that lists her Wausau address. She has a school ID that doesn't have an expiration date on it. Can she vote in Menominee and use her driver's license for verification?

Couldn't even get a clear answer from Pam Galloway's office. After many consultations they told me she would have to vote absentee.

[sybylla]

1. A call to the GAB wouldn't hurt.

Problem is whether the local election workers will be aware of what the GAB tells you. It seems too many of our local election peeps are clueless.

[milwaukeelib33]

2. A link to Act 23

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/data/lc_act/act023-ab007.pdf

According to the language of the bill, it sounds like if there is no picture on the student ID it is insufficient.

Options:

- Get a student photo ID. My take on the language of the bill is that it states a paid tuition receipt dated no earlier than 9 mo before the election must also be presented -OR- the receipt is not necessary if the college submits a list of students living in campus housing to the local election commission to be verified.

- Vote absentee in Wausau, which is probably the simplest way IMO. Unless he/she has a real desire to vote in Menomonie. Inquire early with the election commission to see what the requirements are, but I'm pretty sure you must mail a copy of your photo ID with the ballot. I'd just print off a bunch of them so that it isn't a burden in the future.

Disclaimer: I'm not an election lawyer, and I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. But, the link above is the ID bill, confusing language and all.

Hopefully there are organizations already formed that are working with students and others that may wind up being turned away at the polls. We've got time, but these things tend to creep up fast so it's best to get out in front of this and make sure ID's/documents are ready for when this does takes effect.