Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder did more than just give words of wisdom when he spoke to the University of Wisconsin Law School graduating class in Madison Friday. He also waded into the debate over Wisconsin’s controversial voter ID law.
“Theres always been a component of identifying yourself before casting a allot. Its only recently that some states, including this one, have become overly prescriptive and restrictive,” Holder said.
April’s primary was the first major election where Wisconsin voters had to bring a state-issued photo ID to cast a ballot. Holder said the law is a form of voter suppression and the Department of Justice should intervene.
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“I think that an examination of the laws that exist here and other parts of the country should be subject to federal scrutiny,” he said. “We’re talking about the most fundamental of American rights.”
Supporters of the law say it prevents voter fraud. Holder said there is no evidence of signifcant voter fraud to defend the need for the law.
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