DOJ Appeals Voter ID Affidavit Ruling, Asks Court For Stay

State attorneys have asked a federal judge to stay a ruling allowing people to vote without photo identification pending an appeal.

Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Friday his office is filing an appeal in a federal court ruling on the state’s voter ID law.

The ruling, which came from U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman earlier this week, requires the state to allow individuals who haven’t been able to get a photo ID for voting to sign an affidavit to verify their identity at the polls. Then they can vote on the spot.

A statement released by the Department of Justice on Friday called the affidavit procedure, “entirely unnecessary.” It also said the procedure makes it possible for individuals to vote, even if they haven’t made an effort to get an ID.

The affidavit option will remain in place for the November election, unless the stay is granted.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with original reporting.