Wisconsin Supreme Court upholds voter ID law, so what now?

MILWAUKEE (WITI/AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld on Thursday, July 31st a requirement that voters show photo identification at the polls, but the law remains blocked in federal court. The rulings have no immediate impact given that the law was struck down in April by a federal judge in Milwaukee. His ruling is under appeal, and a federal appeals court would have to overturn it for the law to take effect.

Four lawsuits have been filed over the law passed in 2011. The Supreme Court issued rulings in two cases Thursday, concluding in both that the law was constitutional. One was brought by the League of Women Voters and the other came from the Milwaukee branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera.

"We will double our efforts this time around. This fight is not one that's about to end," said Wendell Harris of the NAACP.

"This is a most sacred right. A most fundamental right. Guaranteed and protected," said James Hall, Milwaukee NAACP President.

Representatives believe Wisconsin's strict voter ID law will prevent eligible voters in the state from heading to the polls -- because they don't have ID.

"Designed to suppress the vote of the poor, disabled, African-Americans, Latinos and seniors," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Voces de la Frontera.

But they also say there is a silver lining.

"We are most grateful and comforted by the fact that Judge Lynn Adelman found this ugly tactic of voter suppression to be unconstitutional in the federal case," said Hall.

There will be no impact of Thursday's decision because a federal judge struck down the ruling in April. The ruling is under appeal -- and a federal appeals court would have to overturn it in order for voter ID to take effect.

Supports of the law, like Gov. Scott Walker and Republican State Senator Alberta Darling, believe it's an important part of preserving the integrity of elections.

"The biggest thing is, the State Supreme Court says the law is constitutional," said Sen. Darling.

Sen. Darling also says she's not opposed to creating easier ways for citizens to obtain photo IDs -- like partnering with local libraries or city halls.

"The voter ID law will prove that when one goes to vote. They are eligible to vote in our state," said Darling.

All three groups represented say they are actively working to get citizens registered to vote. Some have even been going door-to-door since May to make sure everyone is aware of what's needed and what isn't at the polls.