Wisconsin DOJ appeals judge's ruling to stop Voter ID

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin's Department of Justice is appealing a judge's ruling blocking the state's voter photo identification law.

DOJ filed its request with the Fourth District Court of Appeals on Thursday. State attorneys say the injunction blocking the law should be on hold until an appeals court can rule in the lawsuit filed by the NAACP's Milwaukee branch and Voces de la Frontera.

Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess granted the injunction March 12. Another Wisconsin judge in a separate lawsuit has also filed a temporary injunction blocking the law. DOJ has appealed both decisions.

Niess refused to lift the injunction Tuesday, leading to Thursday's appeal.

The judges' orders have scuttled the hopes of those who want the voter ID law in effect for the April 3 presidential primary.