Ald. Khalif Rainey
Press Release

Voter Registration Resolution Passes County Board

Supervisor Rainey Urges County Executive to Sign Measure Designed to Increase Voter Participation

By - Apr 24th, 2014 04:01 pm

Milwaukee County Supervisor Khalif Rainey today praised the County Board for its passage of a resolution designed to increase voter participation in Milwaukee County.

The resolution, which passed by a vote of  16-2, would require that Milwaukee County social services departments provide forms and assistance for voter registration to make registration more convenient.

“This is a historic day in Milwaukee County,” said Rainey. “Voter registration at public assistance agencies hits a demographic that is frequently prone to much lower rates of democratic participation, due to insufficient information, resources, and familiarity with the voting process. Wisconsin remains exempt from the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and this resolution is a huge step in increasing citizen awareness and participation in the democratic process.

“The right to vote is sacred in America, and we want to make sure that voter registration is made easier and more convenient for all eligible Milwaukee County residents. This resolution is a no-brainer and will have a significant positive impact on voter turnout in Milwaukee County. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this measure, and I urge the County Executive to sign it.”

The resolution also calls for Milwaukee County to forward the completed voter registration forms to appropriate local election officials and requires officials to provide timely notification in conjunction with the Milwaukee County Election Commission to voter registration applicants as to whether their applications are accepted or rejected.

In addition, the resolution requires the program should include an automated text messaging system where voters can receive text alerts prior to and on election days.

“It’s amazing how we are promoting democracy around the world while working to suppress it in America,” Rainey said. “This is a victory for democracy in Milwaukee County.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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