Appeals court needs to consider voter ID case, WI Supreme Court says

MADISON, WI (AP)--   Wisconsin's highest court says it won't hear challenges to the state's voter ID law until a court of appeals hears the cases, a setback for Republicans who wanted voters to have to show photo ID to vote in November's election.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday turned down a request to have the cases bypass the appeals court. That means it's highly unlikely that the photo ID requirement will be reinstated in time for the election.

Republicans passed a bill last year that requires voters to show photo ID.  But two Dane County judges said it impairs the right to vote.

Voter ID has become a hot issue around the country. Republicans say the measures would prevent voter fraud, while Democrats call them a political ploy to suppress voters.