Federal appeals court denies stay, allows early voting

MADISON — A federal appeals court says early voting in Wisconsin can continue.


U.S. District Judge James Peterson in July struck down a host of Wisconsin's election laws, including limits on early voting. He also ordered the state to quickly issue credentials valid for voting for anyone struggling to obtain photo ID.

Peterson granted state attorneys' request to stay the photo ID credentials, noting the state already has a receipt system in place. But he refused to stay other parts of his ruling.

State attorneys turned to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court to stay the rest of Peterson's ruling. A three-judge panel from that court denied the stay request on Monday. That means Peterson's decision allowing expanded early voting hours stands.

A state Justice Department spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email.