Racine Mayor Mason: Announces expanded voting hours and location

City Aims to Increase Access to the Ballot Box

Racine – Today, Mayor Cory Mason and the Office of the City Clerk announced the details for the expansion of early voting hours and the addition of satellite voting locations for the November 6^thelection for City of Racine residents. In addition to increasing voting hours and locations, the City also installed voter registration kiosks in the public library and city hall.

“Ensuring that all of our citizens have the opportunity to take part in a critical tenant of our democracy, the act of voting, is a basic function of government that I take very seriously. Everyone deserves access to the ballot box and we know there are barriers to voting on Election Day. This plan provides an opportunity to break through those barriers,” said Mayor Mason.

The Mayor’s plan involves the following:

• Kiosks located on the second floor of the public library and in the City Clerk’s office for voter registration and to request absentee ballots
• Early voting to begin at City Hall in the City Clerk’s office on October 16^th through November 2^nd between 8AM and 5PM
• Extended hours for early voting on November 2^nd from 8AM to 6PM
• Satellite early voting locations for Saturday, October 27^th from 11AM to 4PM include:

o   City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, Room 103, 730 Washington Ave

o   Tyler Domer Community Center, 2301 12^th St

o   Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Ave

“With the leadership and support of Mayor Mason, the City of Racine’s Clerks office is excited to offer satellite absentee voting within the City of Racine. This is only the beginning of bringing expanded voter accessibility to the City, as we hope to expand opportunities in future elections. We look forward to seeing many City residents exercise their right to vote on Saturday, October 27^th, 2018,” said Deputy City Clerk Tara Coolidge.

Pending approval of the Common Council, the expansion of voting location and hours will help to ensure that City residents have increased access and opportunities to vote in November’s elections. The City Clerk’s office anticipates election turnout will be high on Election Day, and believes the expansion of early voting hours and locations provides residents the ability to avoid the lines on November 6^th.

Questions related to early voting should be directed to the Office of the City Clerk at 262-636-9171 or Tara.coolidge@cityofracine.org.