On Wednesday, May 5th, the Senate Elections Committee will hold a hearing for a series of bills that will make it harder for people with disabilities, older adults, and others to vote. It will also make it more difficult for friends and neighbors to assist with returning an absentee ballot and put volunteers, clerks, and others at risk for prosecution if they violate the new restrictions.
The hearing tomorrow will discuss the following bills:
- SB 203: Secure Delivery of Absentee Ballots
- SB 206: Returning Absentee Indefinitely Voter
- SB 209: Returning Absentee Ballots to Office of the Clerk
- SB 212: Defects on Absentee Ballot Certificates
Make your concerns heard!
It is very important to share your concerns with committee members and legislators regarding these bills. Here are options for participating:
- Speak at the May 5th hearing in-person or remotely. If you wish to testify remotely, contact the office of the committee chair, Senator Bernier, in advance. State which bills you want to testify about and your position.
- Email: Sen.Bernier@legis.wisconsin.gov
- Telephone: (608) 266-7511
- Submit written comments to the Committee Clerk at Nathan.Duerkop@legis.wisconsin.gov and ask that they be shared with committee members and included as part of the public record. You can also submit written comments to committee members below:
- Contact your legislators to share your concerns about the bills. The full legislature may vote on them as soon as next week. Find contact information for your legislators by entering your address in “Who Are My Legislators” via the Legislature site here.
If you are planning on testifying or submitting comments, please contact Barbara Beckert at barbara.beckert@drwi.org.
For more information on what you can do, a sample testimony template, and details about each voting bill being discussed in the May 5th hearing, read the Voting Bills Hearing Update provided by the DVC here (accessible PDF).