Local News
WWII vet, who fought at Iwo Jima, denied right to vote
90-year-old vet has veteran’s ID,
which is not included in voter ID law
A Wisconsin Supreme Court justice says her uncle was unable to vote in last week’s primary election, even though he has a veteran’s ID from his service in World War II.
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has written a letter to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker urging the use of veterans’ ID at the polls, a form of identification not included in the current state voter ID law.
“It makes no sense to me that this proud patriot with a veterans card displaying his photo would be turned away from the polls and denied the right to vote,” Bradley wrote to the Republican governor.
In her letter, Bradley said her uncle had fought at Iwo Jima, the bloody World War II battle that was immortalized in a photo of the U.S. flag being raised on the tiny Pacific island (above).
Bradley says her 90-year-old uncle, Leo Olson of Reedsburg, doesn’t have a driver’s license.
The Senate is expected to take up legislation next month that would allow the veterans ID for voting.