Milwaukee, WI – Today, Senator Chris Larson, along with Representative Jonathan Brostoff, released a package of 7 legislative proposals aimed at protecting access to the ballot and ensuring electoral integrity.
“An effective democracy is at the heart of our nation and during a declared state of emergency that remains unchanged. As such, Governor Evers has made it clear the election in Wisconsin must proceed. In addition to the actions taken by the Wisconsin Election Commission, legislators must also act to protect the rights of voters amid the COVID-19 crisis. This, and any future public health emergencies, have the potential to disrupt the public’s opportunity to participate in elections, especially when leaving their homes to vote could put them in harm’s way.
“Included in this package of legislation is the ability for municipal clerks and board of elections to automatically mail absentee ballots to all registered voters within their jurisdiction as well as lengthening the time frame in which a ballot can be requested by an elector and accepted by local election officials. We have also addressed the need to end voter identification as many of our neighbors will be unable to obtain updated valid IDs due to restricted access to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). We can’t let that mean those neighbors have their voice shutout in the middle of a crisis.
“When passed into law, these proposed reforms would come into place when a Governor declares a state of emergency. They are intended to ease the burden on the public as well as maintain electoral integrity and access to the ballot.
“As legislators, we must do all we can to protect democracy and ensure every Wisconsinite that wants to be heard will be heard.”
