Wisconsin leaders fail to ensure safe election during COVID-19
Voters shouldn’t have to choose between their health and democracy
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin is holding its spring elections Tuesday despite the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak causing a state stay-at-home order and social distancing guidelines that advise against gatherings of any size.
Peter Skopec, director of WISPIRG, issued the following statement in response:
“Wisconsin had the opportunity to protect both its people’s health and the constitutional right to vote — and is failing on both counts. It is unconscionable that Wisconsinites are having to choose between going to the polls and risking coronavirus infection, or staying home and not having their voice heard. Leaders of other states, from both parties, had the foresight to make necessary changes to their spring elections weeks ago.
“We can’t let this happen again, in Wisconsin or in any of the United States. Leaders from both parties must come together immediately to prepare for the general election in November. We must have a plan to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot safely while COVID-19 persists, up to and including emergency universal vote by mail.”
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.
More about the 2020 Spring Primary
- Why Don Natzke Couldn’t Vote - Enjoyiana Nururdin - Aug 9th, 2020
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights public health measures taken by the Milwaukee Health and Fire Departments, Department of Administration, Election Commission, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Aug 4th, 2020
- CDC Says Election Did Not Cause COVID-19 Spike - Erik Gunn - Aug 4th, 2020
- Pandemic Reduced Black Vote, Study Finds - Dee J. Hall - Jun 25th, 2020
- Did April Election Hike COVID-19 Cases? - Alana Watson - May 20th, 2020
- Elections Commission Notes ‘Lessons Learned’ - Henry Redman - May 19th, 2020
- Wisconsin Elections News: WEC Releases Analysis of Absentee Voting in April 7 Spring Election - Wisconsin Elections Commission - May 18th, 2020
- Election’s Impact on County’s COVID-19 Cases Unclear - Jeramey Jannene - May 6th, 2020
- Why State’s Voting By Mail Was Chaotic - Daniel C. Vock - May 4th, 2020
- At Least 40 COVID-19 Cases Tied to Election in Milwaukee - Graham Kilmer - Apr 24th, 2020
Read more about 2020 Spring Primary here
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