The Department of Justice Makes Filings to Appeal Recent Decisions in Two Voter ID Cases

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced that this afternoon the Department of Justice made two sets of filings on behalf of the defendants in NAACP v. Walker, et al., and League of Women Voters v. Walker, et al., in the Wisconsin courts of appeals.  Both cases were initially filed in Dane County Circuit Court.

In the League of Women Voters case, the defendants are filing a notice of appeal with the court of appeals, District IV, from the circuit court’s final order enjoining Act 23, the voter identification law.  The defendants also are asking the court to expedite briefing in the case.

In the NAACP case, the defendants are petitioning the court of appeals, District II, for leave to appeal the circuit court’s preliminary order enjoining Act 23.  The defendants also are asking the court to stay all proceedings in the circuit court, and to hear the appeal on an expedited basis. 

“We have made these appellate filings far ahead of the timelines contemplated for appeal so these matters may be reviewed and concluded in anticipation of the April election,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said.

Both of these cases involve novel constitutional challenges to the voter ID law.  Due to the important statewide legal and policy issues at stake, defendants are suggesting in their filings today that certification of both cases to the Supreme Court would be appropriate.  The Department of Justice is counsel for the Governor and members of the Government Accountability Board in this court action.

Copies of the filings are available at the following links: