A Wisconsin judge on Tuesday granted a temporary injunction stopping the state's controversial voter identification law. As a result, the law will not be in effect for the state's April 3 presidential primary.
The law, which went into effect in February, requires every voter to present an ID card prior to casting a vote. Supporters believe the law will cut down on voter fraud, but opponents argue it will suppress voting rights for poor people and the elderly.
Wisconsin colleges have also had to issue special ID cards to students who do not have an alternative, as a result of the law.
According to Wisconsin talk radio station WTAQ, a trial has been set for April 16 to determine whether the injunction will become permanent. The Wisconsin NAACP and immigration rights group Voces de la Frontera argued against the law at Tuesday's hearing, WTAQ said.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin released a statement following the judge's ruling.
"This is simply another example of a liberal Dane County judge legislating from the bench to block the will of an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites," Communications Director Ben Sparks said Tuesday.
Mike Tate, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, praised the judge's decision.
"Today’s action that halts the implementation of flawed legislation that makes it harder for students, seniors and minorities to exercise their right to vote is a victory for all Wisconsinites," Tate said in a statement.
"Now that the judiciary has correctly recognized that this restrictive bill could cause irreparable harm to Wisconsinites and our traditions of excellent voter participation, Scott Walker and his Republican Party have the opportunity to make things right. Wisconsin law should focus on increasing voter participation, not diminishing it."
Shortly after the judge's decision, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) tweeted in support of the voter ID law: "Photo ID to vote is a common sense law that will ultimately be upheld. Need it for library, cold med & public assistance."