Seventh Circuit Upholds Wisconsin's Special Exemption from Federal Voter Transparency Law – State Can Keep Charging Up to $12,500 and Redacting Birth Dates on Voter Rolls

A federal appeals panel has upheld Wisconsin’s exemption from the National Voter Registration Act, allowing the state to maintain its voter-roll access system, which includes high fees and redacted birth dates. The Public Interest Legal Foundation challenged the system, arguing it violated constitutional principles and hindered election transparency. The Seventh Circuit ruled that Wisconsin’s exemption, based on its continuous offering of same-day registration since 1994, is constitutional and does not violate equal state sovereignty principles.

• A three-judge federal appeals panel affirmed Wisconsin’s exemption from the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
• Wisconsin can continue to charge up to $12,500 for voter records and redact voters’ protected birth information.
• The state’s exemption is based on its continuous allowance of same-day polling-place registration since August 1, 1994.
• The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) argued the exemption violated constitutional principles and hindered election transparency.
• The Seventh Circuit rejected PILF’s arguments, stating the exemption functions as an “equalizer” rather than an infringement on state sovereignty.
• Chief Judge Michael Brennan suggested PILF may lack standing to bring the lawsuit.
• The ruling allows Wisconsin election officials to operate under a state system that imposes significant costs on groups seeking to analyze voter databases.