Increase Voter Accessibility: Senate Committee hears DRW recommendations

The Wisconsin State Capitol, set against a blue sky.

On September 26th, the Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection held an informational hearing regarding: Barriers Faced by Elderly Voters and Voters with Disabilities, a June 2023 report of the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC). Invited speakers were Barbara Beckert, Director of External Advocacy for Disability Rights Wisconsin, and Denise Jess, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Barbara and Denise provided an overview of the WEC’s Polling Place Accessibility Review Program, Accessibility Supply Program, Accessibility Advisory Committee, and Clerk Support and Training.  They also provided committee members with recommendations to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements for accessibility and support increased accessibility of the voting process for Wisconsin voters with disabilities and older adults.