[MADISON, Wis] - The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (LWVWI) opposes four bills that will be voted on by the State Senate Wednesday, June 9, for the burdens they will place on voters, and especially voters with disabilities.

“The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin believes voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed,” said Debra Cronmiller, LWVWI executive director. “Participating in our democracy should be a safe, accessible and positive experience for all eligible Wisconsin residents and to that end, we oppose Senate Bills 204, 205, 206 and 209. ”

The bills intend to create multiple barriers to the ballot, including making the absentee voting process more burdensome, restricting the rules and procedures for special voting deputies and decreasing the accessibility of absentee ballot drop boxes.

While amendments have slightly improved some of the bills, disability advocates still say the process should slow down, include real discussions about the unintended consequences of these bills, and consider solid recommendations for bills that actually improve the election process for people with disabilities and older adults to address accessibility barriers.

A significant number of Wisconsin voters have a disability. According to the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), approximately 23 percent of the electorate in the November election were individuals with some type of disability, including disabilities acquired through aging.  As policymakers and election officials consider changes to Wisconsin law, it is important they understand the rights of voters with disabilities, including the need to safeguard the protections in federal and state law.

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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.