Southern Wisconsin Times

Janesville, WI - Congressman Bryan Steil, representing Wisconsin's 1st District and Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, has called for an urgent meeting of the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC). This request follows the release of draft guidance regarding the use of "Limited Term" and "Non-Domiciled IDs" in elections.

The WEC has responded to Rep. Steil's inquiry by scheduling a meeting on November 1 to issue formal guidance to municipal and county clerks. These types of IDs are provided only to temporary visitors. The need for clarity arose after election clerks reported a lack of guidance from the commission on handling such identifications.

Rep. Steil emphasized the urgency in his follow-up letter, stating that as registration and voting are currently ongoing in Wisconsin, immediate action is necessary.

The draft memo includes several key points:

"...the commission received many questions from clerks asking how to proceed should they encounter this type of ID at the polls on Election Day and during in-person absentee voting."

It further explains under Wis. Stat. § 343.03(3m), these IDs are issued to non-citizens, with "Limited Term" indicating a non-immigrant temporary visitor with legal status in the U.S., and "Non-Domiciled" referring to similar status holders.

"The commission does not know how many of these identifications have been issued..."

According to Wis. Stat. § 5.02(6m)(a)1., these IDs must be accepted as proper voter identification; however, possession does not guarantee eligibility to vote.

"...if the potential voter presents a DMV identification marked “Limited Term” or “Non-Domiciled,” that indicates that the individual is most likely ineligible to vote because they are not a citizen and the election inspector should challenge that individual’s eligibility to vote, unless the person presents documentation demonstrating the person is now a citizen."

Wisconsin law mandates that voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents for 28 consecutive days before an election. While valid driver's licenses or ID cards can serve as proof of identity, those with Limited Term or Non-Domiciled IDs are classified as Temporary Visitors and cannot register to vote.

This issue arose when municipal clerks sought guidance from WEC but did not receive it promptly. On October 24, Rep. Steil formally requested clarification from WEC about temporary residents' voting rights in Wisconsin.