Recommendations from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin on WEC Biennial Accessibility Report

[MADISON, Wis] – The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (LWVWI) recommends changes to improve the voting experience for eldery voters and voters with disabilities while a report released by the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) outlines measures that have improved the accessibility of Wisconsin’s polling places,

It is clear the WEC has worked closely with disability advocacy groups and several Wisconsin clerks to take strides to make elections more accessible despite the pandemic. However, despite these efforts the report makes it apparent that accessibility continues to be an issue at polling sites across the state.

“We appreciate the collaboration opportunities we have had with the WEC to make voting more accessible, and encourage the WEC to implement more consistent accessibility measures across the state,” said Eileen Newcomer, LWVWI voter education manager. “Polling site location and set up and poll worker training are consistently areas that need improvement. We hope to see an improvement in these areas in the next report.”

The LWVWI has shared recommendations with the WEC to improve accessibility. These recommendations include implementing a screen-reader accessible absentee ballot, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), developing a plan and timeline for a comprehensive statewide assessment of polling places and designing, and executing uniform poll worker training across the state. More in depth information on the League’s recommendations to improve future elections can be found in our post election reports available on our website.

The report, titled “Impediments faced by Elderly Voters and Voters with Disabilities,” is released every two years, as mandated in state statute. View the report here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.