New twist in Wisconsin's voter ID lawsuits



MADISON -- There's a new twist in one of the voter ID lawsuits making its way through the court system. On Monday, April 30th, those trying to stop voter ID in Wisconsin said they want to file more evidence in the case.

Judge David Flanagan says he'll decide in mid-June whether his temporary injunction of voter ID should become permanent. But a motion by those who want to keep voter ID -- and objections to that motion -- means there will be more evidence introduced and yet another hearing.

The cases that will ultimately decide whether voters will have to show photo IDs at the polls will not be settled in time for next week's recall primaries, so photo IDs will not be required to vote.

Attorneys with the Wisconsin Attorney General's Office suggest those trying to block voter ID may not ultimately have enough standing.

But those who want to stop voter ID and filed the lawsuit are the groups Voces de la Frontera, which supports immigrants rights, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

"There does not have to be an absolute denial of the right to vote. That the plaintiffs couldn't cast their ballot. The only issue is that they were burdened or somehow treated differently from other voters," said Richard Saks, attorney for Voces de la Frontera.

The judge ruled the groups trying to block voter ID can call two more witnesses to tell their stories of how the photo ID law harmed them. But the judge wanted to schedule it as soon as possible.

So there will be another hearing to enter more evidence on Friday, May 4th. It's testimony that will follow this case as it almost certainly heads to the appeals court and later, the Wisconsin Supreme Court. "We need to get this done. I need to get your arguments. I need to get a decision out. Whoever is not happy with it can appeal it," Judge Flanagan said.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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