Disability Rights Wisconsin Applauds Signing of AB168

Denise Johnson testifying for AB168

Today, Governor Evers will sign into law AB 168 which addresses a significant barrier to voting for some voters with disabilities.  Wisconsin law requires voters to speak their name and address at the polling place before voting.  AB 168 will allow voters who cannot state their name and address to have an election official or another individual selected by the voter state the name and address for them.

During the November 2018 election. DRW received contacts from deaf voters, other voters with disabilities and family members regarding the barriers to voting they experienced due to current Wisconsin law requiring them to speak their name and address.  DRW provided advocacy assistance to these voters and worked with legislators, the Wisconsin Election Commission, and people with disabilities to advance changes to the law.

Read DRW’s full press release (accessible pdf).

Barbara Beckert testifying for AB168 Reps Brostoff and Zimmerman at AB168 hearing Denise Jess testifying for AB168 Denise Johnson testifying for AB168 Ramsey Lee testifying for AB168