BABE VOTE and the League of Women Voters of Idaho to Appeal Decision on Voter Registration Law

BABE VOTE and the League of Women Voters of Idaho are filing an appeal with the Idaho Supreme Court on the district court decision to dismiss their case related to voter identification.  The two voter-support organizations view this next legal step as necessary to restore access to the ballot for those negatively impacted by laws passed by the Idaho legislature during the 2023 session.  

Access to the free voter identification card, included in one of the new laws, has proven very difficult for certain categories of voters.  Requirements include presenting a photo ID to get the ID as well as a certified birth certificate with seal or a current US passport.  Extra barriers were also put in place for students with out-of-state driver’s licenses.   

Getting to the DMV for these transactions can be challenging.   A recent applicant required the extensive assistance of a local nonprofit, multiple visits to the DMV and weeks of document collection. 

According to the Secretary of State, Idaho has fair and free elections. In the absence of voter fraud, the additional requirements for registration are unneeded.  More importantly, new requirements are overly burdensome for too many Idahoans.  Even people who have been voters in Idaho for decades who move, will find the new registration requirements difficult to complete.

BABE VOTE and the LWVID remain deeply committed to protecting the right to vote for all Idaho citizens eligible to vote.