Northwoods Reporter

Matthew Rust, chairman of the St. Croix Republicans, urged citizens to vote "YES" on April 1st to protect Wisconsin's fair and secure elections by ensuring voter ID remains law. Rust made his statement to Northwoods Reporter on March 24.

"Voting YES on April 1st is an important step toward establishing more secure elections in Wisconsin for years to come," said Rust. "Although a voter ID law is already in place, this referendum will prevent future courts or politicians from dismantling this common sense protection the vast majority of Wisconsin voters support. Election security must not be subject to activist judges and biased court rulings – but must be upheld as a foundational principle of our republican form of government. By enshrining Voter ID in our state constitution, we will guarantee a higher level of integrity in Wisconsin's election process."

According to WDIO, early voting for Wisconsin’s spring general election began on March 18. A key item on the ballot is a photo ID referendum, asking voters whether to add the existing voter ID law to the state constitution. A "yes" vote would make the law permanent, preventing future overturning by the state Supreme Court. To remove it later would require a complex legislative process. Also on the ballot are the state Supreme Court race between Brad Schimel (R) and Susan Crawford (D), as well as the state superintendent race.

WPR reported that Wisconsin voters will decide whether to add a voter ID requirement to the state Constitution. While a 2011 law already mandates voter ID, this amendment would make it permanent, protecting it from future legal challenges. The ballot measure asks voters if they support requiring valid photo identification to vote, with exceptions to be determined by the Legislature. If approved, the Constitution will specify acceptable IDs, including those from the state, federal government, tribes, and universities, and allow provisional ballots if voters provide ID by the Friday after Election Day.

Rust is also noted as being first elected as Chairman of the Republican Party of St. Croix County in 2023. According to the organization's website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to St. Croix County voters."