Out of Wisconsin, NPR reports on the Wisconsin photo ID law.  Yesterday, a federal judge approved an expanded photo ID educational program, but there are a few additional issues in dispute that still need to be decided.  For example, the use of mobile DMV units to provide free IDs before the election and the extent of advertising are both on the table to be decided.  The order is here.

It is probably too close to the election for extensive or blanked advertising of Wisconsin, and the DMV mobile unit concept takes both lead time and planning.  The free ID at issue applies to only a few potential voters who are interacting with the DMV and most of the advertising message will get lost in the noise of the Presidential election.  Billboards seem like a great idea, but most people driving by them…. already have licenses, yes, appropriate IDs.  However, general advertising to the public with billboards is a very good thing.  Both supporters and opponents of Photo ID laws gain in the education of voters on the need for an ID at the polls and it increases overall confidence in elections.  The bottom line is that Wisconsin needs to provide enough money to conduct a smart educational program on the photo ID law.  It appears the DMV is finally taking the law seriously and so should the Wisconsin legislature.