ACLU of Wisconsin Challenges Municipal Clerks On Voting Rights Violations this Fall.

July 13, 2004

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin is challenging municipal clerks across Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee Election Commission to give special attention to the protection of voting rights as they prepare for the fall elections.

"Given the importance of voting in our democracy and the greater than usual interest in this fall's elections, the ACLU is concerned that problems experienced in the past and in other states may occur, if municipalities are not prepared," said ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty, today.

In a letter to the Milwaukee Election Commission, most of which applies to other municipalities as well, the ACLU of Wisconsin pointed out two potential problem areas that should not be overlooked.

The first is the difficulty that citizens having non-traditional addresses, such as a homeless shelter, may face. In the letter Ahmuty wrote, " As long as these individuals are otherwise eligible to vote, they should not be denied the right to register and vote at a polling place or by absentee ballot because of their place of residence. "

The second area of special concern for the ACLU is the possibility of confusion over the right of ex-felons to vote. Once they are "off paper," that is they have served their sentence, including probation and parole, ex-felons are generally eligible to vote.

Ahmuty urged Milwaukee, " to secure the resources you need to educate the public and poll workers properly. Not providing adequate resources now will only exacerbate the potential for violations of voters' rights later." He concluded by saying, "this admonition applies to all municipalities."

Click here to read the letter to the Milwaukee Election Commission