Wisconsin leaders fail to ensure safe election during COVID-19

Voters shouldn’t have to choose between their health and democracy

WISPIRG

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.”