As Nation Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Voter Registration Act, Wisconsin Assembly Republicans Consider New Voter Obstruction Legislation

MADISON, Wis. — Today marks the 20th anniversary of the National Voter Registration Act, legislation that has improved the voter registration system and helped millions of Americans to do their civic duty and vote. Meanwhile, Assembly Republicans have scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, May 21st to consider Assembly Bill 202, rolling back current Government Accountability Board (GAB) standards for poll observers that facilitate the smooth operation of polling places. The following are the statements of One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross:

“Shame on Assembly Republicans for even letting this voter obstruction legislation see the light of day.

“Wisconsin enjoys some of the highest rates of voter participation in the nation, a distinction we are rightfully proud of. Laws like same-day voter registration have helped make sure that every legal voter who wants to have a say in the direction of their community and our state has the opportunity to cast their ballot.

“Yet it seem the GOP in Wisconsin want to take us in the opposite direction with their latest proposal to make it easier to harass and intimidate voters and otherwise disrupt the smooth operations of polling places.

“The current standards for where partisan poll observers are allowed were created because of the disruptive behavior of GOP operatives that interfered with the smooth operation of polling locations.

“There’s no question those disruptions were intended to slow down the voting process and discourage participation and there’s no excuse for legislation that would make it easier to happen again.”

One Wisconsin Now chronicles the push by Wisconsin Republicans to make it more difficult and complicated for legal voters to cast their ballots in a recent report “Protecting the Right to Vote in Wisconsin” available here: http://bit.ly/ptrtviw