× Expand Carolyn Fath

I’m so sorry. I know you’re a registered voter — your name and address are in our poll book. When you showed me the picture on your Minnesota driver’s license, I could see it was you. You weren’t trying to impersonate another voter, but I couldn’t let you vote without an approved ID.

Yes, Wisconsin’s Photo ID Law is new and confusing. No, it makes no sense that others in line could show an approved ID like a passport (with no address) or a Wisconsin driver’s license (with an old address).

I want you to know that I’m thrilled when students vote. I’m doing my very best to encourage you, but there’s no denying that recently Wisconsin legislators have made it harder for students to vote.

Here’s what you can do. Get involved in the democratic process. First, make sure your friends are registered at their current address and know how, when and where to vote in the important elections ahead. Your Wiscard is not valid for voting; UW students must pick up a voter ID card and bring proof of enrollment to the polls. Second, let’s work together to make sure voting becomes easier, not harder, for all Americans.

Madison resident Carrie Scherpelz has been a poll worker at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community for four years.