Voting rights are under attack in Wisconsin. The state Legislature just passed a partisan, anti-democratic bill to reduce voter turnout that is on its way to the governor’s desk for his signature. It would restrict the hours for voting early on weekdays and eliminate early voting on weekends altogether. I strongly urge Gov. Scott Walker to veto this legislation. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and attacks against that right have no place in Wisconsin. When legislators passed this backwards bill, they made it clear that partisanship is more important to them than the thousands of veterans, seniors, minorities, students and disabled Wisconsinites who will be affected by the legislation. This legislation is an unnecessary fix to a voting system that isn’t broken — a classic example of a solution in search of a problem. If anything, elected officials should be working on ways to increase participation in our democracy, not reduce it.
For the 2012 election, the weather was cold and wet in Wisconsin, and we still had 70% voter turnout. Wisconsin should be taking pride in that, not putting up obstacles that will reduce turnout. Regardless of background, income, age or ZIP code, all Wisconsinites who are eligible to vote should have the opportunity to do so with as much ease as their government can afford them.
Early voting is a common-sense measure to ensure that more Wisconsinites can make their voices heard at the ballot box. It helps reduce overcrowding at the polls on election day. It also provides an easy, convenient option for elderly or disabled Wisconsinites who might otherwise have trouble getting to the polls and workers or students who may have trouble finding time to vote on election day. And it’s a system with a proven track record of success: In 2012, over 16% of all ballots cast were through early voting; that’s more than a half-million Wisconsinites.
Full Article: Protect voting rights in Wisconsin.