ACLU Urges County to Protect Voting Rights, Lets Voters Know Their Rights

October 15, 2004

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin urges the Milwaukee County Election Commission to protect the rights of all voters - including those who live in the city of Milwaukee. The ACLU of Wisconsin urges the county to print the number of ballots that the city has requested.

“We regret the County Executive’s stereotyping of City voters, by implying they would grab extra ballots and vote illegally,” said ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director, Chris Ahmuty. “Elections officials need to make sure there are enough ballots - and enough staff - at each of Milwaukee’s 314 wards to handle high turnouts, recent increases in voter registration, and the expected rush of same day registrants on Election Day.”

The ACLU of Wisconsin also is providing information on basic rights of Wisconsin voters. The handouts are designed to help voters avoid problems when going to the polls. The materials are available in English and Spanish, and will shortly be available in Hmong. A copy of the Spanish and English language versions is attached, and individuals and groups are free to copy and distribute them.

“Recent reports have increased the possibility of confusion at the polls,” said Karyn Rotker, the Poverty, Race & Civil Liberties Project Attorney at the ACLU of Wisconsin. “We want to help ensure that community residents know their rights under the Help America Vote Act and Wisconsin law.”

First-time voters who did not register in person - including people who registered by mail - should bring a photo ID, or a current document with their name and address, like a utility bill, bank statement or paycheck, to the polls. Eligible residents who do not register before Election Day (or who run into problems with mail in registration) can register to vote at the polls on Election Day if they provide a document - such as a recent utility bill or bank statement - with their name and address, or come to the polls with another voter who can confirm where they live. Photo ID is not required.

Also, ex-felons can register and vote as soon as they are "off paper," that is, once they have served their sentence (including probation or parole). Persons who do not speak English can vote, as long as they are U.S. citizens. Students can choose to vote where they live to go to school, or where they last lived before starting school.

“We hope this information will help all members of our community exercise their rights to vote,” Ahmuty added.

Click here to download Voting Rights Pamphlet