Another attack on early voting [View all]

[dragonlady]

Representative Duey Stroebel wants to set uniform standards for early voting (LRB 0552/1: Setting Standardized Availability for In-Person Absentee Voting)

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Under current law, a person may apply to the municipal clerk in person to vote
using an absentee ballot. In−person applications to vote using an absentee ballot
may be made beginning on the third Monday preceding the election and ending on
the later of 5 p.m. or the close of business on the Friday preceding the election. Under
this bill, in−person applications to vote using an absentee ballot may only be received
Monday to Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. In addition,
the clerk’s office may not be open more than 40 hours a week beginning on the third
Monday preceding the election and ending on 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the
election in order to receive applications made in person.

This is a direct attack on Milwaukee, and perhaps other municipalities, that offer early voting on weekends. Even if the city wants to do this and decides to pay for the extra hours, it would be forbidden.

Being able to vote then is a real benefit to people who have to work during the week, or need to wait for a ride from someone who does. It also thins out the lines of voters on election day, making everything easier for "urban" voters. Can't have that.