MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker has approved an emergency rule that allows people waiting for state photo identification cards to vote with receipts showing they're trying to obtain an ID.
The governor signed the rule Wednesday. The move comes days before a federal trial is set to begin in a lawsuit alleging Wisconsin's process for obtaining free state IDs is too onerous. A Walker spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email inquiring about the timing.
Republicans passed a law in 2011 requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls. The law allows people to obtain free IDs from the state Department of Transportation.
Opponents have argued that process takes too long and poor people and minorities often lack the supporting documents, such as birth certificates, they need to obtain the cards.
