Wisconsin set to require photo identification to vote

MADISON, Wis (Reuters) - The Wisconsin state Senate on Thursday approved a Republican-backed bill that would require photo identification to vote, and Republican Governor Scott Walker is expected to sign the measure into law.

Debate over the proposal again highlighted the partisan divisions in Wisconsin after the recent bruising battle over Walker's campaign to weaken public sector union bargaining rights that sparked massive pro-union demonstrations.

Ten states now require a photo ID to vote. Kansas also added a photo ID requirement this year, which takes effect January 1. Thirty-three states have considered adding or strengthening voter identification requirements this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted 19 to 5 along party lines to concur in a state Assembly bill approved earlier in May also along party lines. Most Senate Democrats did not cast votes on the proposal. It requires voter identification in polling places and eliminates straight ticket voting among other provisions.

"Requiring photo identification to vote will go a long way to eliminate the threat of voter fraud," Walker said in a statement. "If you need an ID to buy cold medicine, it's reasonable to require it to vote."

Democrats said the measure was aimed at discouraging many of their constituents, especially college students and poor residents, rather than addressing vote fraud, which they said was not a serious problem in the state.

"In the end what we are doing here, it is very simple and very clear ...," Democratic Senator Jon Erpenbach said. "This is all about taking away rights of taxpayers in the state of Wisconsin and you should be ashamed."

The measure would be in full effect for the 2012 general election and small portions could be in place for potential recall elections later this year. Voters have sought to force recall elections against six Republican and three Democratic state senators as a result of the fight over union rights.

Republicans limited debate to one hour Thursday, cutting off a state senator in mid-oration to conduct a roll-call vote.

(Writing by David Bailey; Editing by Greg McCune)