Wisconsin voter ID fight goes before federal court

MILWAUKEE — Opponents of Wisconsin's voter identification law have argued in federal court that the legislation is improperly restrictive and should be expanded to allow more forms of ID to be used at the polls.

The case Monday represents the latest push from the American Civil Liberties Union against a law passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by Gov. Scott Walker.

Assistant Attorney General Clayton Kawski defended the legislation, saying the ACLU is asking the court to overstep its authority and rewrite the law.

Supporters of the legislation say its requirements help guard against election fraud. But opponents say its true intent is to make voting tougher for older, poor and minority voters who tend to support Democrats and are less likely to have the mandated forms of ID.